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Logline

The doomsday clock is ticking down for California’s largest environmental disaster and soon we will all know it by name. The wildlife is leaving. The water is receding. But the people remain. Lithium Goldmine is the story of the Salton Sea told by those who reside on its shrinking shores.

Synopsis

Overcoming the unique challenges of one of the hottest, driest places on Earth, the people of the Salton Sea persist through the largest environmental disaster in California’s history. Lithium Goldmine follows the residents and researchers of Imperial County who are impacted by the tumultuous ecology of a dying lake, their embrace of communal artistic expression, and how environmental tragedy can inspire civic action.

The otherwise barren shores of the Salton Sea are often teeming with human life as the communities come together to build large sculptures on the beach, plant trees to mitigate the irritating dust storms, and coordinate large, secretive parties miles away from civilization. The landscape provides a home to wanderers, outcasts, and rugged individuals who have found togetherness in social exclusion, but the drying sea foretells an impending doom.

As the American West sinks into deeper drought, less water flows into the Salton Sea. The lake dries quickly in the desert sun, leaving a graveyard of fish. Following the collapse of the food chain, millions of migratory birds and many endangered species are displaced, no longer able to rest in the now barren oasis. What is left is a dust bowl of agricultural runoff, military waste, and heavy pollutants – dangers kicked into the air by the strong Southern California winds. Asthma rates have skyrocketed, the environment is suffering, and the region has been thrown into a tailspin of poverty and decay.

Lithium Goldmine shares the plight of scientists, activists, and artists who are desperately trying to save their home, a once-thriving natural environment now being overlooked by the very people in power who are responsible for its fall from grace. Our film captures the whole story of the Salton Sea, from ancient oasis to modern catastrophe, emphasizing one important message: there is still hope.

Meet the Filmmakers

Jeff McCobb — Director & Producer
Jeff McCobb is a guerrilla filmmaker and bona fide weirdo who began his career producing television commercials in his hometown of Fresno, California. For over a decade now, he has been in Los Angeles, interviewing some of the biggest talent in film and television and producing engaging, documentary-style content. Tell him you donated to this project and receive one (1) free compliment.

Marisa Jo Zakes — Producer
Marisa Jo Zakes is an award-winning producer of live events, video projects, and documentary films. When she isn’t calling cues or holding a camera, she is hiking in nature, throwing themed parties, or skating in a roller derby bout.

Dominic Napoleon — Associate Producer
Dominic Napoleon is a television writer and filmmaker. He has produced multiple short films that have been shown at local festivals and has been running a cinematic YouTube channel with his childhood friends for over 15 years.

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Contact

For inquiries, please contact fiscalsponsorship@filmindependent.org.