This thrilling investigation uncovers the high-level corruption behind California’s long-standing water crisis. Sweeping cinematography of California’s harsh, dry landscape asks us to visualize a fight for water in what feels like a modern day Chinatown.

Filmmaker Marina Zenovich peels back the layers of California’s convoluted water structure—wealthy water barons show their guilty hand in exploiting the state’s resource, while small farmers and neighboring towns endure debilitating drought. We see luxury crops, like almonds and pomegranates, on the rise and groundwater contamination increasing tenfold, pitting backroom business dealings against human and environmental costs.

This National Geographic documentary was executive produced by Academy Award winner Alex Gibney, and screened first at the Sundance Film Festival to much critical acclaim.

As outlined in a recent NY Times review, the film takes a close look at billionaires Steward and Lynda Resnick. The Resnicks own the curiously named Wonderful company, and formerly employed well known Sonoman and former mayor, Tom Rouse. The film helps provide context behind one of Rouse’s most notable and perhaps prescient statements upon first becoming mayor in 2013: