In this episode of The Fog of Truth podcast, host Bart Weiss discusses the documentary 'Water Wars' with its director and cinematographer, Mario Mateo.

The documentary, which recently screened at the Dallas International Film Festival, delves into the complex issue of water rights in West Texas, depicting a struggle over the control and distribution of one of the most vital resources. Mateo shares insights into his dual role in the project, his creative process, and the importance of visual storytelling across various mediums.

The conversation highlights the documentary's exploration of American freedom, property ownership, and the ethical dimensions of resource sharing. The film illustrates the legal battles faced by farmers and ranchers in Hudspeth County and the broader implications for water rights across Texas. Key characters, such as the Guitar family and Laura Lynch, are discussed, offering a glimpse into the deeply personal and community-wide impacts of the water wars.

Mateo reflects on the challenges of presenting a balanced view of the conflict and the significance of water in human life. The episode sheds light on the engaging narrative and the collaborative effort behind the documentary, from pre-production to securing distribution.

00:26 Welcome to The Fog of Truth Podcast

00:37 Diving Deep with Director Mario Mateo

01:29 The Art of Visual Storytelling

03:10 Behind the Scenes of Water Wars

05:35 The Essence of Water Wars: A Story of Conflict and Resource

09:56 The Battle for Water Rights: Farmers vs. Ranchers

15:22 Navigating Legal Waters: The Fight for Fairness

18:17 The Heart of the Story: Laura Lynch's Emotional Journey

23:04 The Future of Water Wars and What's Next for Mario Mateo

26:09 Signing Off from The Fog of Truth

Bart and John talk about two documentaries that have been playing the festival circuit and are now available at home. Bart Interviews, and Ashwin Chaudhary director of The Blind Eye Artist and Vincent Liota director of Objects.