Itoiz, a small town in Navarre, Spain, faced a devastating ecological event in 2003. The completion of the Itoiz dam caused the submersion of seven villages and three nature reserves. An environmental group, called Solidari@s con Itoiz, vigorously campaigned against the construction of the dam and its destructive consequences. In an effort to raise awareness, the activists closely monitored and filmed the dam’s construction. These covert recordings serve as a historical testament to the erasure and displacement caused by the dam.
The documentary “Land Underwater,” directed by Maddi Barber, brings the story of the Itoiz dam to light. The film features intimate interviews with members of Solidari@s con Itoiz, capturing their longing for the places that no longer exist. Present-day footage of the area juxtaposes their vivid recollections, revealing a landscape devoid of human presence, marked only by solitary tree trunks submerged in water.
These tapes, captured by the activists, provide a stark witness to the military oppression suffered by the protestors and the demolition of local houses. In one poignant scene, an unseen activist asks her comrade to appreciate the beauty of a fleeting rainbow, symbolizing the vanishing beauty of the landscape itself.
However, for those unfamiliar with the Itoiz dam controversy, the documentary may lack sufficient context. The film offers limited information about the creation of the reservoir, and the origins of the guerrilla footage are only revealed during the end credits. Nevertheless, “Land Underwater” makes a powerful emotional impact, as it opens with a school play where children pledge to protect the nation’s lands and rivers, alluding to the failure of those in power to fulfill this promise to future generations.
“Land Underwater” is set to be released on January 19 on True Story. The documentary serves as a haunting reminder of the ecological destruction caused by the Itoiz dam and the ongoing struggle to protect the environment from harmful human intervention. It stands as a testament to the resilience of activists who fight against such destructive actions and sheds light on the significance of preserving our natural landscapes for generations to come.