Watch Miracle in the Desert: The Rise and Fall of the Salton Sea

Miracle in the Desert: The Rise and Fall of the Salton Sea is a poignant documentary that was directed by Greg Bassenian and follows the story of the Salton Sea in California which was created by an accident in the early 1900s. The film depicts the rise and fall of the sea, along with the impact it had on the lives of the people in the surrounding areas.

The documentary is narrated by C. Thomas Howell, and it features interviews with people who have lived in the area for many years, including longtime residents who have seen the sea at its best and its worst. The film also showcases some of the wildlife that used to inhabit the area and provides a glimpse of the once-thriving fishing industry that used to exist.

One of the main characters in the movie is Ben Beal, a third-generation farmer who has lived near the Salton Sea his entire life. Ben talks about how the sea used to be a haven for boating and fishing enthusiasts, and how he would spend his weekends on the beaches with his family. However, as the sea started to decline due to pollution and water diversion, the once-beautiful beaches were replaced by barren wastelands that were polluted with dangerous chemicals and toxins.

The documentary also features interviews with Linda Beal, Ben's wife, who talks about how the Salton Sea's decline has affected her community. Linda describes the many illnesses and health problems that have arisen in the area due to the polluted air, soil, and water, and she also speaks about the struggles that many people in the community are facing.

Other interviewees include Michelle Dugan, an environmental activist who has been fighting to save the Salton Sea for many years, and Art Gertz, a retired biologist who has spent his entire career studying the sea and its impact on the environment. Lana Hall also makes an appearance, giving her perspective as a local reporter who has been covering the Salton Sea issue for decades.

Throughout the documentary, the filmmakers use striking imagery to show the extent of the Salton Sea's decline. There are sweeping shots of abandoned buildings, ghost towns, and dry, cracked earth where the sea used to be. The documentary also features numerous clips of the sea's former glory, showcasing the wildlife and the thriving communities that once existed.

One of the most striking features of the documentary is the way it highlights the complex issues that surround the Salton Sea's decline. It explores the actions of government agencies, private interests, and local communities, shedding light on the many factors that have contributed to the sea's decline. The movie also illustrates how the decline of the Salton Sea is not just an environmental issue but a social and economic one as well.

Overall, Miracle in the Desert: The Rise and Fall of the Salton Sea is a powerful and moving documentary that chronicles the tragedy of the Salton Sea's decline. The film is an excellent example of how a documentary can be both visually stunning and deeply informative, and it provides a comprehensive look at one of the most pressing environmental issues facing California today.

Miracle in the Desert: The Rise and Fall of the Salton Sea is a 2020 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 22 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.1.