A new documentary feature, “The American Southwest”, is set to premiere at the Angelika Film Center in Dallas on Thursday, Sept. 11, at 7 p.m., followed by a Q&A with director Ben Masters.
“The American Southwest” explores the nature and wildlife of the Colorado River, which flows from Rocky Mountain National Park to the Gulf of California. Indigenous model and activist Quannah Chasinghorse narrates the documentary, using her platform to amplify Indigenous voices and advocate for the protection of the Colorado River’s ecosystem.
Prompted by the 2026 Colorado River management plan renegotiations, the documentary highlights the river’s ecological issues and importance. According to the U.S. Congress website, seven states along the river’s path will decide by year’s end how to allocate water from its reservoirs to major cities.
“Right now, we have an amazing opportunity to lend our voices to policymakers and representatives who are deciding the fate of the river,” Masters said in an interview with The Daily Campus.
Masters, a Texan-born filmmaker, studied wildlife biology at Texas A&M University and founded Fin and Fur Films, an independent film production company that focuses on wildlife and conservation. Masters has produced and directed numerous short film documentaries, as well as two features, one of which includes “Deep In The Heart: A Texas Wildlife Story”, narrated by Matthew McConaughey.
In May, the Mountainfilm Festival in Telluride, Colo., featured “The American Southwest” in its lineup. The festival showcases documentaries focused on activism, environmentalism, social justice, and similar projects. Three festivals, including Mountainfilm, selected the documentary as an official selection, according to their websites.
Masters said growing up in Texas shaped his career and his focus on nature documentary filmmaking.
“I think that Texas has such a diverse array of wildlife in and landscapes to film in— that’s certainly a huge benefit,” Masters said. “I grew up in a family that spent a lot of time outside, and I’ve just been extremely curious, considered wildlife and recognizing the need to have more wildlife storytelling and films out there in the world.”
With a Q&A at the event, allowing a discussion and feedback from the audience, Masters hopes that many will learn more about the wildlife and the condition of the Colorado River.
“I think that Texas can learn a lot from the American Southwest, especially in regards to water,” Masters said. “We have an abundance of water in Texas, but it’s a finite quantity, and as our population grows and the demand for water increases, we can look to the Southwest as an example of what not to do.”
Masters emphasized the importance of the film’s message, but promises it will be as enjoyable as it is informative.
“It’s really fun, and especially if you have kids, they’ll love it,” Masters said. “The film touches on some heavy topics, but it’s just really entertaining and fun.”
The film has been released in various locations nationwide since Sept. 5, but Dallas will hold its first showing on Thursday night at Angelika.
Doors close at 6:30 p.m., and the screening begins at 7:00 p.m. Tickets are available for purchase through Eventbrite.
