As the sun drops behind the hills that once held Aquarena Springs and a breeze moves through towering cypress trees, the headwaters of the San Marcos River become quiet, almost serene.
It’s there at the river’s source, where spring water rises from the Edwards Aquifer and begins its journey downstream, that “Yakona” will once again be shown.
The outdoor screening of “Yakona” will be held on the lawn of The Meadows Center for Water and the Environment on Saturday, March 28. The free, family-friendly event begins at 6 p.m. with activities and discounted glass-bottom boat rides, followed by a panel discussion at 7:15 p.m. and the film screening at 8 p.m.
Directed by Anlo Sepulveda and Paul Collins, “Yakona,” which means “water rising” in the language of the Indigenous people of the San Marcos River, traces the river’s story from prehistoric times to the present day. It is largely told through visuals and score rather than dialogue.
“There is definitely a narrative arc about the San Marcos River pulled from the river’s perspective over time,” Sepulveda said. “The main idea is to kind of have the perspective of the river itself — the river’s story from a river’s perspective.”
Filmed more than a decade ago, the documentary has continued to have a lasting presence in the community.
“Our intention with ‘Yakona’ was for it to kind of live with the community for as long as it’s useful … to advocate for the river,” he said. “We find that new generations come up and they rediscover it.”
“Yakona” was filmed during the demolition of much of the Aquarena Springs theme park as it was transitioned back closer to its natural state to what is now known as the Meadows Center.
Organizers said the combination of location and subject creates an experience that goes beyond a typical film showing.
“The location is perfect at the headwaters,” Jeffrey Brown, organizer of the event, said. “It’s symbolic with the river, and it’s a place where we can bring the community together for a free, family-friendly night under the stars.”
Brown said they hope the event will become an annual tradition centered on the river and its role in the community.
“The river’s the backbone of our community, and we have to keep it clean,” he said. “We want people to come out, enjoy the film and be reminded of the importance of taking care of it.”
Sepulveda said the issues facing the river today are similar to those that inspired the film in 2014, including the pressures of development and environmental risks.
“It still has to do with development, overuse,” he said. “But we also see quite a bit of improvement. There are organizations out there almost every weekend doing cleanups and advocating for the river.”
As the film unfolds on a 40-foot outdoor screen, with the river flowing just steps away, “Yakona” continues to find new audiences, this time at the place where its story begins.
