The Great Divide, a feature length documentary exploring the historic influence of water in connecting and dividing an arid state and region, will premiere at the University of Denver’s Newman Center for the Performing Arts at 7 p.m. on Thursday, August 6, 2015. Tickets cost just $20.00 and are on sale now.  Proceeds will place the film in all public schools and libraries across the state. Can’t make the premiere? CFWE, with the Colorado Water Congress, is working with Havey Productions to take the film on tour around the state this fall. Stay tuned for dates to see the film in your corner of the state.

The Great Divide is being produced by the Emmy award-winning team at Havey Productions, in association with Colorado Humanities.  The crew has filmed in every corner of Colorado and all of its major river basins. Millions of people, billions of dollars and an enormous amount of economic activity across a vast swath of America from California to the Mississippi River are all dependent on rivers born in Colorado’s mountains.  In a time of mounting demand and limited supply, the need for all citizens to better understand and participate in decisions affecting this critical resource is paramount.

“The water we take for granted each and every day gets its start here in our state,” filmmaker Jim Havey said. “Our goal for this film is to raise public understanding and appreciation of Colorado’s water heritage and we hope to inspire a more informed public discussion concerning the vital challenges confronting our state and region with increasing urgency.”

From Ancestral Puebloan cultures and the gold rush origins of Colorado water law to agriculture, dams, diversions and conservation; the film reveals today’s critical need to cross “the great divide,” replacing conflict with cooperation. An advisory council comprised of a diverse statewide group of water experts, including the Colorado Foundation for Water Education’s executive director Nicole Seltzer, has helped to ensure an accurate portrayal of Colorado’s water heritage.

“This film offers a very promising way to restore or create an appropriate sense of wonder over the arrangements that support human settlement in this state,” said Patty Limerick, Faculty Director at the Center of the American West.”

“Water is precious and very few people really understand where it comes from. Appreciating its importance, the limitations on water quantity and the significance of water quality are all critical areas for the citizenry of Colorado to really understand.” stated former Secretary of the Interior, Ken Salazar.

Watch the film trailer here:  www.thegreatdividefilm.com.  For more information on how you can get involved, call Havey Productions at 303-296-7448.