A journey down the Whanganui River reveals its power to inspire global environmental action.

Opening this year’s Doc Edge Festival, I Am the River, the River Is Me is a profound and visually captivating documentary by Peter Lom. The film explores the Whanganui River in Aotearoa/New Zealand, the first river in the world to be granted legal personhood. Guided by Māori river guardian Ned Tapa, a five-day canoe journey includes a First Nations Elder from Australia, his daughter, and an international film crew.

The film delves into the river's rich history, highlighting the global struggles of Indigenous communities to protect their sacred waterways. The journey becomes a powerful exploration of environmental stewardship, as the participants share personal and inspiring conversations about the rivers they are committed to saving.

With breathtaking cinematography that immerses viewers in natural beauty, the film ignites a sense of urgency to protect our planet's vital resources. I Am the River, the River Is Me is a call to action, urging us all to "go home and save your water".