Silt
A digital exhibition centered on the creation of a narrative feature film set on the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon.
Feature film
Directed by Emilie Upczak
90 mins / US / 2026
Logline
In the very near-future, as a mega-drought ravages the Southwest and puts 40 million people in an unprecedented crisis, Emery, a botanist from the Navajo Nation, working for the Bureau of Reclamation, embarks on a journey down the Colorado River to monitor a hydroelectric project. As she navigates the desolate landscape and confronts the environmental and cultural impacts of the project, she grapples with her own conscience and forms unexpected connections, all while being haunted by visions from the past that provide clues for the river’s salvation.
Photo credit: Amy Johnson
Short Film
Short Film 10’ / 2022 / US / Drama
A botanist grieving the death of a beloved aunt, travels alone to northern Mexico, where she is nourished by images of the last trip they took together traversing the Colorado River.
Photo credit: John Otterbacher
Resources
Resources used in the research and development of the short and narrative feature films.
Photo Credit: Mohamed Nohassi