Having lived in South Florida most of my life, I can attest to the scope of the film River of Grass, an imperative documentary that rings true throughout the factual script. It’s a testament to keeping one of the most important subjects, the environment handicap of the Florida Everglades, in the hands of those who endure the fight to save it. It’s not one of those ecological pan handling films, but rather a voice from the swamp that goes directly to the heart of the matter.
The film brings up many facts of how hard dealing with the weather, business ventures, poachers, builders, and yes conservationists has caused this very important water source and home to a jungle that has been invaded. But that was then and this is now, so what happens next? The film will take you into the swamps, homes of the indigenes tribes, past weather beaten tracks of land and the cities that grew to towering blocks of stone. It’s all of which is part of the problem, but the tear drops of those who fight to bring it back do not seem to be enough to save it from the hands of builders and polluters.
Courtesy of Sasha Wortzel and Walking Productions
River of Grass may make a dent in the problem if more advocates of our natural resources get to see the film. The documentary has not been rated by the MPAA, but contains no offensive material. Marjory Stoneman Douglas who wrote a book of the same title passed over 25 years ago, but her legacy as an advocate and conservationist lives on among the groups speaking out to preserve nature’s beauty and historical values in the vast territory of the Florida Everglades.
Courtesy of Sasha Wortzel and Walking Productions
Now showing in select theaters around the United States, River of Grass opens in West Palm Beach, Florida on November 8. I highly recommend the film for everyone.
Additional Film Information:
Cast: Marjory Stoneman Douglas, Betty Osceola
Directed and written by: Sasha Wortzel
Genre: Documentary
MPAA Rating: Not Rated, no offensive material
Running Time: 1 hr. 23 min.
Opening Date: October 24, 2025
Released in: Select Theaters
Writer, critic, film editor John Delia, Sr. has been on all sides of the movie business from publications to film making. He has worked as a film critic with ACED Magazine for more than 20 years and other publications for a total of 40 years. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of Florida. John is a member of the Southeastern Film Critics Association and Critics Association of Central Florida Send John a message at jdelia@acedmagazine.com
