Down By The Riverside
“They built a boat and launched a movement”
Synopsis
“If there’s hope for the human race, there’s hope for the Hudson.” —Pete Seeger In the summer of 1969, legendary folk singer Pete Seeger launched the Clearwater, a 19th-century-style sloop with a singing crew of musicians and activists. His intention was to raise awareness of pollution in the Hudson River and to petition legislation that addressed the then-burgeoning climate crisis. Over 50 years later, the Clearwater remains an interactive environmental classroom—or, in its builder’s words, “a carnival, museum, and showboat all wrapped into one.” Featuring rare interviews with Seeger himself, Down by the Riverside is a beautiful, stirring tribute to the communities of people who continue to restore and preserve this elegant symbol of the Hudson Valley. As a local story of local heroism, this documentary is an inspiring reminder of all that can be accomplished when ordinary people work on behalf of their history and environment. —Ben Rendich
Top Cast
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Release History & Theatrical Window
24th Annual Woodstock Film Festival
Festival / Special Debut
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Dan Messina, Jodie Childers
- Original Title
- Down By The Riverside
- Country of Origin
- United States of America
- Spoken Languages
- English
- Runtime
- 1h 25m
- Production Studios
- Kew Ten
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Dan Messina, Jodie Childers
Jodie Childers, Dan Messina
Dan Messina
Jodie Childers, Dan Messina
Department Leadership Roster
Dan Messina
Director
Jodie Childers
Director of Photography
Jodie Childers
Director
Dan Messina
Director of Photography
Dan Messina
Editor
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for Down By The Riverside.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Down By The Riverside
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is Down By The Riverside about?
“If there’s hope for the human race, there’s hope for the Hudson.” —Pete Seeger In the summer of 1969, legendary folk singer Pete Seeger launched the Clearwater, a 19th-century-style sloop with a singing crew of musicians and activists. His intention was to raise awareness of pollution in the Hudson River and to petition legislation that addressed the then-burgeoning climate crisis. Over 50 years later, the Clearwater remains an interactive environmental classroom—or, in its builder’s words, “a carnival, museum, and showboat all wrapped into one.” Featuring rare interviews with Seeger himself, Down by the Riverside is a beautiful, stirring tribute to the communities of people who continue to restore and preserve this elegant symbol of the Hudson Valley. As a local story of local heroism, this documentary is an inspiring reminder of all that can be accomplished when ordinary people work on behalf of their history and environment. —Ben Rendich
Who directed Down By The Riverside?
Down By The Riverside was directed by Dan Messina, Jodie Childers.
Who stars in Down By The Riverside?
The principal cast of Down By The Riverside includes Pete Seeger, Toshi Seeger, Jimmy Collier, Gordon Bok, Allan Aunapu.
When was Down By The Riverside released and how long is it?
Down By The Riverside was released in 2023 with a total runtime of 1h 25m.