Fin and Fur Films, in association with NativesOutdoors has released the official trailer for The American Southwest, a cinematic journey down the Colorado River narrated by land protector, Indigenous model, and climate justice advocate  Quannah ChasingHorse. Combining breathtaking wildlife sequences with voices from the land, the film captures the spirit of the Southwestern U.S. – its iconic landscapes, the animals that inhabit them, and the urgent ecological challenges of water scarcity, habitat loss, and climate change facing the region.

The official trailer gives audiences a first look at The American Southwest, blending remarkable wildlife scenes with a powerful narration that brings the region’s story to life.

The film will open September 5, 2025 in commercial and independent theaters—including AMC, Harkins, Regal, and others across the southwest region — with showings in Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada, Utah, California, Texas, and Colorado. Select screenings will feature community engagement opportunities, educational programming, and Q&As with conservationists, Indigenous leaders, and the filmmaking team.

Directed by Ben Masters (The River and the Wall, Deep in the Heart), the documentary takes audiences on an expedition from the Colorado River’s headwaters to its historic delta, highlighting both charismatic species—like beavers, elk, and jaguars—and the diverse human relationships with the river over millennia. Alongside its vivid portrayal of desert biodiversity, the film boldly addresses water scarcity, biodiversity loss, and the impacts of a warming climate.

“The American Southwest is a love letter to the landscapes and wildlife that have shaped me,” said director Ben Masters. “It’s my best attempt to inspire audiences to conserve, protect, and rewild the region’s ecosystems and the Colorado River. This is a social nature film, one that confronts the challenges of the West while offering a vision of restoration and hope.”

Narrator Quannah ChasingHorse (Han Gwich’in and Sicangu/Oglala Lakota) brings her personal connection to the land into every frame.

“Being asked to narrate this film—to lend my voice to the Colorado River, its tributaries, the life it nourishes, and the people who have stewarded it for generations—is such a huge honor,” said ChasingHorse. “Showcasing how essential Indigenous voices are when telling these stories means everything to me. I’m incredibly proud to be part of this wildly beautiful and inspiring film, knowing the impact it will have on those who already love The American Southwest—and those who are just beginning to experience it.”

Developed in collaboration with NativesOutdoors, producer Len Necefer, Ph.D. (Diné), and his team helped shape the storytelling and cinematography to reflect a deep respect for the cultural and ecological richness of the region, as well as the urgency of the film’s message.

“The issues facing the Colorado River are not isolated—they’re a preview of what’s unfolding around the world,” said Necefer. “Freshwater systems are under pressure globally, but what’s happening in the Southwest offers a test case: when we give ecosystems the chance to heal, they respond. Stewardship is a choice, and The American Southwest shows us we still have the power to choose wisely.”

The production is partnering with American Rivers, which works to make every river clean and healthy for people and wildlife.