Director Jennifer Peedom’s sequel to the cinematic and musical collaboration Mountain didn’t come about easily. With seemingly endless lockdowns, and a shot list spanning the rivers of some 34 countries, River is the result of much hard work and abstract thinking. Like its predecessor, River is a film that brings together an epic score by the Australian Chamber Orchestra, rich narration by acclaimed actor Willem Dafoe, and incredible drone footage of one of the world’s natural resources.
We spoke with the director about the elements that went into making this film, as well as the anticipated reactions from flood-affected audiences.