Wild River

Set amidst the rugged terrain of rural Tennessee, a passionate drama unfolds as we follow the journey of a dedicated young bureaucrat working for the Tennessee Valley Authority. Assigned to oversee the construction of a dam, he encounters fierce resistance from local residents, particularly a resolute farmer who takes issue with his use of local black laborers in employment opportunities. At the heart of this tale lies a captivating love story that develops between the protagonist and the widowed granddaughter of an elderly woman who must be evicted from her cherished home on an island along the river. This powerful narrative, preserved by the Academy Film Archive in partnership with The Film Foundation, serves as both an exploration of social struggles during a period of significant change and a poignant testament to the enduring strength of human connections.