O'odham Su:dag- The People's Water

Welcome to "O'odham Su:dag - The People's Water," a powerful short film by Indigenous Filmmaker Jasmine Lopez; sharing a profoundly personal and eye-opening account of her upbringing on the South Side of Tucson, where access to clean water was scarce, and its profound impact on the Tucson's low-income community.

In this thought-provoking documentary, Jasmine Lopez takes us on a poignant journey, shedding light on the struggles faced by her people and the broader implications of living with contaminated water. As she weaves the narrative of her own experiences, Jasmine artfully connects the dots between water quality, environmental justice, and the rich cultural heritage of the Tohono O'odham tribe.

Throughout the film, viewers will witness stories of resilience and resourcefulness as the Tohono O'odham people stand united, striving to protect their sacred land and traditions against the odds. It's a testament to the strength of the community and its unwavering commitment to safeguarding the precious gift of water, a fundamental element of life itself.

Join us as we immerse ourselves in this captivating story, drawing attention to the urgent need for clean water access and honoring the wisdom and teachings of the Tohono O'odham ancestors. Let us stand together to raise awareness about the importance of preserving our environment for future generations.

  • Jasmine D Lopez
    Director
  • Jasmine D Lopez
    Writer
  • Jasmine D Lopez
    Producer
  • Roselene G Smith
    Key Cast
    "Grandma"
  • Selena Rincon
    Key Cast
    "Child 1"
  • Sopia Rincon
    Key Cast
    "Child 2"
  • Michael Enis
    Key Cast
    "Singing"
  • Project Type:
    Documentary, Short, Student
  • Genres:
    Documentary, Cultural, Environment, student, Indigenous, Personal
  • Runtime:
    2 minutes 28 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    July 31, 2023
  • Production Budget:
    30 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    Yes - University of Arizona
  • A Student's Journey Showcase Event
    Tucson
    United States
    August 4, 2023
    Public Premiere
Director Biography - Jasmine D Lopez

Jasmine Lopez, a Tucson, Arizona native, proudly carries the rich heritage of being both Mexican and Tohono O'odham from Big Fields village in the Sells District. Currently pursuing a dual major at Tohono O'odham Community College, Jasmine is on her way to completing her Associate of Arts in Computer Information Systems and Associate of Business in Business Administration. Her next step is the University of Arizona, where she will delve into software development.

As a first-time filmmaker, Jasmine's debut work, "O'odham Su:dag - The People's Water," is a poignant testament to her dedication. The film draws from her personal journey growing up with contaminated water on Tucson's South Side, elegantly intertwining cultural heritage, environmental awareness, and resilience.

Jasmine envisions a future where her tech and storytelling passions unite, fostering impactful change. Through her unique lens, she continues to spotlight critical narratives while honoring her heritage and embracing the limitless possibilities of technology.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

Welcome to "O'odham Su:dag," a project that has evolved from an internship endeavor into a profound personal journey. The weight of the TCE crisis on our lives cannot be understated, and this film is my attempt to shed light on a matter that has deeply affected our community.

Originally conceived during my internship at the University of Arizona for an environmental awareness initiative, "O'odham Su:dag" has become a labor of love and a platform for change. As a proud member of the Tohono O'odham community, this film is not just a creative endeavor but a vital part of my identity.

This narrative is more than just a story; it's a testament to resilience, unity, and the power of sharing our truths. Crafting this film has been an act of love and dedication, fueled by the desire to bring to light the serious challenges faced by our community due to the TCE crisis. It's an exploration of our collective strength in the face of adversity, a celebration of our heritage, and a call to action for change.

As I finally share "O'odham Su:dag" with the world, I invite you to join me on this journey. Together, we can raise awareness, spark conversations, and work toward a future where the voices of marginalized communities are heard, valued, and uplifted.

Thank you for being a part of this movement. Your support matters more than you know.

With heartfelt gratitude,
Jasmine D. Lopez