A woman who spent her childhood along the polluted Passaic River returns decades later to tell the river's story during a 4-day kayak trip from its pristine source to the toxic Newark Bay.
This in-person screening will be followed by a Q&A with filmmaker Scott Morris and Mary Bruno.
Mary Bruno spent her childhood along one of the most polluted waterways in America. Decades later, she returns to kayak the river of her youth and tell its story.
"American River" is a new 86-minute documentary film that follows Ms. Bruno and guide Carl Alderson on a 4-day, 80 mile adventure down the Passaic River, from its pristine source in a wildlife refuge to its toxic mouth in Newark Bay. The river’s amazing history, geology and ecology are revealed as the kayakers navigate challenges, travel through urban landscapes and head towards the industrial disaster that has poisoned the Passaic for the past 60 years.
Along the way, the filmmakers engage residents, historians and advocates in candid conversations that bring insight, urgency and a sense of wonder to the story. How did the Passaic become one of the most contaminated rivers in America? Can it be saved? And what does the future hold for our precious natural resources? The Passaic is an archetype for thousands of rivers across America facing similar reckonings.
Scott Morris is a seasoned filmmaker with over 40 years of experience. "American River" is his latest project.
Mary Bruno is a journalist, biologist, and author of "An American River: From Paradise to Superfund, Afloat on New Jersey's Passaic."
This film is part of the Princeton Environmental Film Festival. The festival runs from April 1-10. To find information on all screenings, in person and virtual, please visit: peff.eventive.org
