W
ill there be enough water to survive? Thirsty Land is a new documentary that tells the story of the water crisis and drought in the Western U.S., its impact on agriculture, communities and the global food supply. “The story of drought needs to be told! Our global food supply and our very survival of humans depend on clean, abundant fresh water. I want to make the audience think about it every time they take a drink of water, enjoy a shower or water their lawn,” says Conrad Weaver (Allied Industry Member, Conjostudios, LLC, Emmitsburg, MD), who is producer and director of the film. The Robert B. Daugherty Water for Food Institute (DWFI) at the University of Nebraska is partnering with Weaver in the production of Thirsty Land film. DWFI, along with the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources (IANR) at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, have provided startup sponsorship funds for the project to move ahead. “We are very pleased to participate in this important documentary about the challenges of drought and climate change,” said Roberto Lenton, founding executive director of the Water for Food Institute. “It supports our mission by educating people about the threats, as well as the opportunities, to achieving water and food security for generations to come.” Conrad said, “I’m thrilled to be able to partner with DWFI. The University of Nebraska is well known for being a leader in research in the areas of water, hydrology, and drought mitigation. DWFI has access to world-renown researchers dealing with drought issues so it’s exciting to be able to talk with them to see and experience what they are doing to help farmers solve some of these complicated issues in providing more food for a growing global population.” Conrad recently announced a collaboration with the AgChat Foundation as the in-kind “fiscal sponsor” and fundraising partner of Thirsty Land film. The Foundation will provide fundraising support as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, enabling Conrad to receive grants, and other tax-deductible donations for the film project. Production on the film began in April 2015, and is expected to be completed by November. The film will be released in theaters around the country after its initial screenings in the spring of 2016. For more information, and to view the film’s trailer, visit www.thirstylandmovie.com.
