Illusion of Abundance
Illusion of Abundance
The film Illusion of Abundance is a grassroots project addressing social, racial, and climate justice issues relating to the rapid decline of Great Salt Lake (GSL). It exposes a climate and culture in crisis directly related to the immediate decline of Great Salt Lake.
Illusion of Abundance first emerged in 2002 as an acclaimed grassroots narrative performance accompanied by choreography, leading Brolly Arts to create a film inspired by the piece.
As the Illusion of Abundance choreographed piece was filmed, the team was simultaneously conducting extensive research about GSL issues. A wise friend from the Fish and Wildlife Service mentioned that to bring about change for GSL, Brolly Arts needed to understand all the systems affecting the lake. As that goal was pursued, a pattern rose to the surface: in Utah, when decisions are made regarding natural resources, neither those advocating for the protection of the natural resource nor the Indigenous people directly affected have a voice at the table.
This film seeks to change that pattern.
How? How can a film disrupt decades of entrenched tradition? Illusion of Abundance illuminates the historical erasure of the natural world and Indigenous knowledge systems that carry innovative and necessary concepts that can save our climate in a holistic way. Through dance, prose, and intertribal interviews, as well as song, research, and stunning cinematography of Utah’s waterways and the nature they support, Illusion of Abundance immerses viewers in the possibility of positive change, including building paradigms that invite underrepresented voices in stewardship, artistry, and decision-making around natural resources, land use, and climate.
This film is a short documentary presenting entirely verifiable information. The goal is to touch hearts and minds – as only the arts can – to inspire, inform, and encourage engagement and action to save Great Salt Lake and its ecosystems.
Watch the trailer below. The full film will be available after the festival circuit.
ABOUT BROLLY ARTS
Brolly Arts is a non-profit arts organization which aims to fill a niche in a burgeoning arts community. Founder and Director Amy McDonald recognized a need for an organization to support and enhance existing arts organizations and independent artists by creating forums for collaboration and experimentation.
Brolly Arts is dedicated to creating meaningful art and vibrant communities through artistic and civic collaboration and experimentation. This is accomplished by working with communities to identify and build positive change around pressing racial, social, climate, and community development issues through:
• Courageous artmaking
• Grassroots civic engagement
• Public events that transform community stories and research into positive change.
Brolly Arts first stepped into GSL issues with the 2004 Contours project, designed to raise awareness of the value and beauty of the lake. Later, images from Contours were made into a short film and selected for the Tumbleweeds Film Festival in 2023.
Brolly Arts was founded in Salt Lake City in 1995. Visit www.brollyarts.org for more information.
