Kevin McMahon

Waterlife is a documentary about the state of the Great Lakes that follows the flow of the lakes’ water from the Nipigon River to the Atlantic Ocean. Using both documentary actuality and computer imaging, the film begins at the primeval forests of Superior’s north coast, stops at the baroque fountains of Chicago on Lake Michigan, continues to the rain-swept streets of Detroit and beyond, all the while examining how the greatest body of fresh water on Earth transforms the societies it passes through and is transformed by them.

Filled with fascinating characters and stunning imagery, Waterlife is a cinematic poem about the beauty of water and the dangers of taking it for granted. Narrated by Gord Downie, lead vocalist of The Tragically Hip and Waterkeeper’s Trustee of Lake Ontario. Featuring music by Sam Roberts, Sufjan Stevens, Sigur Ros, Robbie Robertson, and Brian Eno.

waterlife.nfb.ca