Our goal is to empower audiences to take action that will ensure a healthy future for the Verde and other southwestern rivers by utilizing practical strategies for water conservation.

At every stage of its development Viva la Verde has proven to be a very effective tool that successfully communicates the significance of our water resource choices and the precarious state of the Verde River and other southwestern desert rivers. In addition to the core production crew, there have been dozens of individuals who have volunteered their time and energy to get Viva la Verde where it is today. Thanks to everyone who has contributed. We wouldn’t be here today without all of your support.

Viva la Verde originated as Hugh Denno’s senior project for Prescott College in 2011. In the fall of 2012, Viva la Verde made its first screening at the Arizona Wilderness Coalition's Wild and Scenic Film Festival, which launched our first film tour through Arizona: Phoenix, Prescott, and Paulden. Although on a shoestring budget, the film was seen by more than 500 people! While on tour we received offers to have Viva la Verde shown on Arizona public broadcast TV. Finally, thanks to the support we obtained through Kickstarter, we were able to invest more resources and time into Viva la Verde. The documentary was re-edited in 2014 and premiered at the Prescott Film Festival. We used this event to launch our second film tour through Arizona, with viewings in Phoenix, Prescott, Paulden, Sedona and Flagstaff. We held screenings at universities, museums, libraries, conservation group meetings, bookstores, and cafes. More than 1,000 people attended our events during our 28 day fundraising campaign.