Movie Review: Water for Life
Following our exclusive interview with award-winning documentary producer and editor Majo Calderón—whose work has been recognized for its powerful storytelling and commitment to social justice—we had the opportunity to watch Water for Life, one of her most recent projects. The documentary offers an intimate and urgent look at the communities fighting for access to clean water, blending stunning visuals with emotional depth. After seeing the film, we were left moved, inspired, and eager to share our thoughts.
Water for Life is a bold and emotionally resonant documentary that unapologetically tackles some of the most pressing issues of our time: environmental justice, Indigenous rights, and the fight against corporate exploitation. Produced and edited by award-winning filmmaker Majo Calderón, the film follows the courageous efforts of three Indigenous environmental activists—Berta Cáceres in Honduras, Francisco Pineda in El Salvador, and Alberto Curamil in Chile—as they resist multinational corporations and state entities threatening their communities’ access to clean water.
Rather than presenting these topics as abstract policy debates or distant conflicts, Water for Life brings them to life through deeply personal stories. This human-centered approach grounds the film in empathy and urgency, allowing viewers to connect with the lived realities of the people most affected. Through their voices and experiences, the documentary highlights how environmental degradation disproportionately impacts Indigenous communities, and how the fight for clean water is inherently tied to cultural preservation, ecological sustainability, and the broader struggle for human rights.
One of the most powerful elements of the film is its portrayal of Berta Cáceres’ unwavering fight to protect the Gualcarque River—a sacred site for the Lenca people. Her work, tragically cut short by her assassination, serves as a chilling reminder of the extreme risks environmental defenders face. Her legacy is treated with the reverence it deserves, and her presence reverberates throughout the film. Similarly, Francisco Pineda’s story offers a rare glimpse of hope, as we witness how his successful campaign against a cyanide-leaching gold mine helped lead to El Salvador’s national ban on metallic mining. His victory underscores the transformative potential of community-led resistance. Meanwhile, Alberto Curamil’s journey—marked by wrongful imprisonment and continued activism—illustrates the enduring resilience of Indigenous leaders and the strength of collective organizing in the face of repression.
The documentary is elevated by its striking cinematography, which captures the majestic beauty of Latin American landscapes alongside the scars left by extractive industries. These visuals are more than aesthetic—they underscore what is at stake. The sacredness of rivers, forests, and mountains is made tangible, and the emotional weight of their possible destruction is felt viscerally. The film’s editing weaves the three narratives together seamlessly, creating a cohesive and emotionally layered story. Interviews, archival footage, and on-the-ground scenes are used with care and intention, never overwhelming the viewer but always deepening the impact. It’s a testament to Calderón’s editorial vision that such distinct stories feel part of a single, urgent conversation.
Though immensely powerful, the documentary is not without its limitations. The focus on personal narratives, while emotionally engaging, leaves some of the broader historical and geopolitical context underexplored. A deeper dive into the legal and political frameworks that enable environmental exploitation could have added additional depth and clarity. Additionally, the pacing varies across segments; while some parts are gripping from start to finish, others unfold more slowly, which may affect viewer engagement at times.
Still, Water for Life is a vital piece of filmmaking that does far more than inform—it inspires. It is a reminder that the defense of nature is not a distant concern but a struggle rooted in lived experience, cultural identity, and basic human rights. By centering the voices of Berta Cáceres, Francisco Pineda, and Alberto Curamil, the film challenges us to listen, to act, and to stand in solidarity with those on the frontlines. Its quiet moments are just as powerful as its calls to action, leaving a lasting impression that lingers long after the credits roll.
This is not just a documentary to be watched—it is one to be felt, discussed, and remembered. Water for Life makes it clear that the battle for water is a battle for life itself, and it is one that concerns us all.
