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Return of the River

Name: Return of the River
Director: John Gussman, Jessica Plumb
Released: 2014
Duration: 69 min

Representation Score

3.6/10

Limited

2014

Director

John Gussman, Jessica Plumb

Runtime

69 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Return of the River functions as an observational study of environmental restoration. It moves away from traditional character-driven stories to focus on systemic and environmental issues. By documenting the removal of a dam, the film critiques the dominance of industrial capitalism over natural ecosystems. The narrative structure challenges the conventional idea of progress through industry. Instead, it favors a model of ecological ability to act and community-centric environmentalism. This approach challenges traditional hierarchies in favor of self-sustaining natural systems. While the film engages with themes of local ability to act and decentralized interests, specific demographic data for interviewees is not provided. The score reflects a work that prioritizes ecological and communal health over industrial utility.

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Category Breakdown

Does Return of the River have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The documentary focuses on ecological restoration and dam removal. There are no LGBTQ+ character arcs or discussions about gender identity.

How does Return of the River portray gender?

Fair

The film shifts away from patriarchal narratives of conquering nature. However, the gender distribution of experts and community leaders remains unclear.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Return of the River?

Fair

The narrative highlights the ability to act of local populations against industrial authority. This often involves Indigenous land rights and ancestral waterways.

How does Return of the River represent religion and culture?

Good

The film prioritizes ecological sustainability over industrial expansion. It promotes a shift toward environmentalism by deconstructing human-centric control over the landscape.

Does Return of the River include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no documented evidence regarding the inclusion of neurodivergent individuals or those with physical disabilities within this ecological study.

Present on Screen

Challenges traditional industrial hierarchies and the idea of man conquering nature.
Prioritizes ecological sustainability and the deconstruction of human-centric landscape control.
Focuses on the ability to act of surrounding communities and decentralized interests.

Limited or Absent

Lacks specific information about the gender distribution of experts and narrators.
Provides no documented representation of neurodivergent individuals or those with physical disabilities.
Does not explicitly confirm the racial or ethnic demographics of the interviewed populations.

Official Synopsis

A documentary on the world's largest dam removal project and its effects on the river ecosystem and surrounding communities.

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