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Deep Dive: Sand Wars (2013)

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Sand Wars
Sand Wars is a documentary directed by Denis Delestrac that examines the global issue of sand extraction and its environmental impacts. The film presents a forecast that by the end of the 21st century, beach theft will lead to the disappearance of beaches, as sand has become a vital commodity for modern economies. It shows how sand is used in everyday products like toothpaste and cosmetics, as well as in construction for houses, bridges, and sidewalks. The documentary takes viewers around the world to meet contractors, sand smugglers, and property developers who are part of this new gold rush. It also features environmentalists and local populations who are working to combat the negative effects of sand extraction. The film's outreach led to the United Nations Environment Programme publishing a Global Environmental Alert in March 2014, titled 'Sand, rarer than one thinks.'

Why Watch

  • •Meet sand smugglers and contractors worldwide.
  • •Find out how sand is used in everyday products.
  • •See the environmental impact of sand extraction.

Did You Know

•Sand Wars premiered at the Cinéma Publicis in 2013.
•The film became the highest rated documentary in France and Germany in 2013.
•Sand Wars won a Gold Panda Award and is distributed worldwide by PBS International.
•The United Nations Environment Programme published a report in March 2014 due to the film's impact.

Perfect For

Environmental activistsConstruction industry professionalsDocumentary enthusiasts