Emmy award-winning filmmaker focuses lens on Florida's struggling springs

Two-part documentary produced by Explica Media spotlights activists' efforts to save springs from extinction

News provided by

Apr 14, 2021, 11:41 ET

MIAMI, April 14, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The growing fragility of Florida's freshwater springs, and the grassroots groups fighting to save these natural waters from extinction, are the focus of a new two-part documentary by Emmy award-winning filmmaker Oscar Corral.

View the trailer HERE. Visit the website, and follow the film on social media: FB & IG.

The Fellowship of the Springs is a two-part, two hour documentary series by director/producer Oscar Corral and Explica Media. The two episodes of the film take viewers into the wonder and beauty of Florida's unique but troubled springs. Florida has the largest and highest concentration of fresh water springs on earth, and the fight to save them is raging.

The Fellowship of the Springs documentary premieres this week on WPBT2 South Florida PBS

Scheduled to air on WPBT South Florida PBS around Earth Day (April 21-22), "The Fellowship of the Springs" tells the story of the struggle to preserve the state's 1,000+ artesian springs. The fight pits resident activists and independent scientists against major industries and the state agencies that regulate the springs.

Florida is home to the world's biggest and largest concentration of natural springs. They dot central and northern Florida, roughly from Orlando to Pensacola. The state's first tourist destination, the springs draw hundreds of thousands of visitors annually.

But their future is imperiled by population growth, encroaching development and intensive agriculture. The impacts of industries like phosphate mining, farming and water bottlers such as Nestlé are explored in the film.

A veteran journalist and native Floridian, Corral spent two years tracking the plight of the springs. The investigative narrative of the documentary underscores the need to address Florida's environmental dilemmas, and questions politicians, business leaders and state regulators about their positions on the springs.

"I set out to make a film about the beauty and wonder that define the springs. But along the way, I discovered that the springs are in a fight for survival," Corral said. "What's happening to them is a story of community and conflict. The challenge is to strike a balance between the wants of industry, and the needs of nature to keep the springs alive."

Tune in to watch "The Fellowship of the Springs," on WPBT South Florida PBS:
Part 1: Magic Waters, airs April 18 at 11 a.m. and again on April 21 at 11 p.m.
Part 2: Blue Rebellion, airs April 22 at 11 p.m. and again on April 25 at 11 a.m.