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When the Well Runs Dry

"When the well runs dry we shall know the value of water."

-Benjamin Franklin

Ask a Kansan -- any Kansan -- about water and they'll have plenty to say. When the Well Runs Dry, a new KHC-supported documentary short film, explores regional and national water issues through the perspectives of the residents of the southeast Kansas community of Florence.

Filmmaker Steve Lerner teamed up with award-winning documentary filmmaker Ruben Aaronson and the Florence Historical Society to capture the vital connection that rural Kansans have with water. Lerner hopes the film will spark a discussion among all Kansans. "Even though most of Kansas is out of drought we are in a time where water is a great issue both regionally and nationally," he said.

When the Well Runs Dry trailer (1:13)

When the Well Runs Dry premieres Saturday, July 18th at 2:00 PM at the Masonic Center in Florence. A panel discussion moderated by Tom Averill of Washburn University follows the screening. More information about the film and premiere can be found in a recent article from the Topeka Capital-Journal.

Humanities Grants supporting documentary short films that explore contemporary issues are available. Contact Murl Riedel, director of grants, for more information.