China Three Gorges Documentary

Space Gallery presents Holding Ground Under Water, a one night only photography exhibit and video screening of footage documenting the population resettlement along the Yangtze River in China’s famed Three Gorges.

San Francisco, Ca. Wednesday, July 27 6-9pm

Between 2001 and 2003, photojournalist and video artist Benjamin Sandler made four separate trips to the Three Gorges region in China. He traveled the length of the river, visiting large cities and small towns due to be affected by construction of the Three Gorges Dam. Along the way he conducted numerous impromptu interviews with people directly affected by the dam and the resettlement scheme. Reactions to the project were candid and reflected many varied viewpoints. Mr. Sandler’s photographs and video are meant to provide a lasting document of a region and its people that will be permanently altered.

The sluice gates of the controversial Three Gorges Dam were closed in June of 2003 and the first stage of inundation has been completed. The water level rose to 443 feet, washing away what remained of dismantled cities and evacuated pasturelands. Already, more than half of those affected by the project have been forced to relocate to new cities built on higher ground, or to ‘host communities’ in far removed coastal cities. By 2009, if the construction project is completed on schedule, an estimated 1.2 to 2 million people will have been forced to relocate.

This show is for one night only, Wednesday, July 27th from 6-9pm. The video screening will be at 7pm sharp, and with special permission from Four Square Productions Canada, will begin with a 40 minute piece entitled Man vs. Water, part 2 in a 3 part series produced for Discovery Channel Canada. Water, Water examines this century’s next great challenge, managing the world’s water resources. In addition there will be a silent photo auction, to raise money to translate interviews, and commence editing for a feature length movie. All in attendance will receive a 4x6 inch signed and editioned print, while they last.

Holding Ground Under Water is part of an ongoing photo and video documentary on the Three Gorges Dam and it’s impact on the people and environment in the Yangtze River Basin.

For more information on Four Square Productions Canada and Water, Water, please view their website http://www.4square.ca or contact them by writing 4square@4square.ca