Compelling call to action on water and wildlife conservation
The official trailer gives audiences a first look at The American Southwest, blending remarkable wildlife scenes with a powerful narration that brings the region’s story to life.
The film opened on Sept. 5, in commercial and independent theaters – including AMC, Harkins, Regal, and others across the southwest region – with showings in Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada, Utah, California, Texas, and Colorado. Select screenings will feature community engagement opportunities, educational programming, and Q&As with conservationists, Indigenous leaders, and the filmmaking team.
Directed by Ben Masters (The River and the Wall, Deep in the Heart), the documentary takes audiences on an expedition from the Colorado River’s headwaters to its historic delta, highlighting both charismatic species – like beavers, elk, and jaguars – and the diverse human relationships with the river over millennia. Alongside its vivid portrayal of desert biodiversity, the film boldly addresses water scarcity, biodiversity loss, and the impacts of a warming climate.
“The American Southwest is a love letter to the landscapes and wildlife that have shaped me,” said director Ben Masters. “It’s my best attempt to inspire audiences to conserve, protect, and rewild the region’s ecosystems and the Colorado River. This is a social nature film, one that confronts the challenges of the West, while offering a vision of restoration and hope.”
Narrator Quannah ChasingHorse (Han Gwich’in and Sicangu/Oglala Lakota) brings her personal connection to the land into every frame.
“Being asked to narrate this film – to lend my voice to the Colorado River, its tributaries, the life it nourishes, and the people who have stewarded it for generations – is such a huge honor,” ChasingHorse said. “Showcasing how essential Indigenous voices are when telling these stories means everything to me. I’m incredibly proud to be part of this wildly beautiful and inspiring film, knowing the impact it will have on those who already love The American Southwest – and those who are just beginning to experience it.”
Developed in collaboration with NativesOutdoors, producer Len Necefer, Ph.D. (Diné), and his team helped shape the storytelling and cinematography to reflect a deep respect for the cultural and ecological richness of the region, as well as the urgency of the film’s message.
“The issues facing the Colorado River are not isolated – they’re a preview of what’s unfolding around the world,” Necefer said. “Freshwater systems are under pressure globally, but what’s happening in the Southwest offers a test case: when we give ecosystems the chance to heal, they respond. Stewardship is a choice, and The American Southwest shows us we still have the power to choose wisely.”
For screening times and ticket information, please visit https://theamericansouthwest.film. The film will be released on digital platforms later in the fall.
The production is partnering with American Rivers, which works to make every river clean and healthy for people and wildlife.
About Fin and Fur Films
Fin and Fur Films is a collection of professional creatives who are passionate about conservation and visual storytelling. We produce films from idea conception through distribution and offer cinematography, production, and directing services.
From restoring endangered species to advocating for healthy river flows, we are dedicated to using film as a medium to help conserve wildlife and their habitat. Our team members are adventure-lovin’ folks who aren’t afraid to get their hands dirty and have a good time, all while making great movies.
Fin and Fur Films’ previous production, Deep in the Heart, narrated by Matthew McConaughey, was independently distributed, released exclusively in the state of Texas, and earned nearly $500,000 at the box office.
About NativesOutdoors
NativesOutdoors is a media and consulting company who cultivates the talent of indigenous communities.
NativesOutdoors began as a social media project in March 2017 by Len Necefer, Ph.D. (Diné) to highlight the stories and photos of Native people in outdoor recreation to address the lack of representation of Indigenous people in the outdoor industry.
The organization has expanded to provide advisory and consulting services to the outdoor industry on topics within the intersection of tribes, public lands, and outdoor recreation.
NativesOutdoors is working directly with tribal governments, community organizations, and individuals on increasing access to outdoor recreation and connecting resources and opportunities within the outdoor industry.
About American Rivers
American Rivers is a national conservation organization working to make every river clean and healthy for people and wildlife. They combine evidence-based solutions with enduring partnerships to safeguard rivers like the Colorado and the 3.5 million miles of rivers and streams essential to our nation’s clean drinking water, extraordinary wildlife, and the strength of our communities. For more than 50 years, American Rivers’ staff, supporters, and partners have been driven by a common belief: Life Depends on Rivers. Learn more at AmericanRivers.org.