waterlogged — Danielle Goldwert

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In waterlogged, a climate scholar confronts the haunting reality of his research as surreal environmental catastrophes unfold around him, blurring the line between his personal despair and the global human experience. The story dives into the psychological toll of inaction, asking whether hope can be found amid the rising tides of collective negligence.
In waterlogged, we follow Ivan, a climate scholar struggling personally with the looming threat of environmental collapse.
Through a mix of stark realism and haunting surrealism, waterlogged depicts a world gasping for air under the weight of its unsustainable habits. The film walks the delicate line between hope and despair, mirrored in Ivan’s frantic efforts to write a life-saving solution as bizarre climatic events escalate. As strange weather turns Ivan’s world into an indoor ocean, the narrative blurs the lines between a personal battle and a universal crisis. The rising water in his home symbolizes ignored warnings, capturing the urgency and helplessness that define our era’s relationship with the environment.
The film challenges viewers to confront the immediate, human experience of climate change, highlighting that each of us is part of this unsettling story of ecological upheaval. It’s a wake-up call, urging us to find hope and take action as the waters rise, both literally and metaphorically.

THE JOURNEY OF WATERLOGGED: FROM CONCEPT TO SCREEN

waterlogged started taking shape during those strange, early days of the COVID-19 quarantine. I’d just moved into my own apartment for the first time, and I was itching for a creative outlet—something that would let me pour my worries about the planet’s future into a meaningful project. And so began the adventure of bringing waterlogged to life.

The whole process was both exciting and challenging. Drawing from a semester of sculpture experience, I threw myself into learning how to make miniature clay characters. I can’t even remember how many times I sculpted and re-sculpted a single head. I also hand-sewed every piece of clothing. At one point, I sewed a pair of tiny jeans over twenty times just to get the perfect fit.

What was supposed to be a short activity quickly became a four-year passion project. Day after day, I’d spend up to twelve hours experimenting with lighting, animation, and filming, determined to capture each moment exactly as I’d imagined.

Even though I took breaks for backpacking trips and devoted plenty of time to my PhD research, I never lost sight of finishing the film. It grew alongside me, transforming from a simple idea into a deeply personal statement on climate and creativity.

My hope is for waterlogged to stand as a testament to the urgent need to address the climate crisis, and to what’s possible when you follow your passion wholeheartedly. This labor of love reflects my journey as both a filmmaker and a concerned citizen, dedicated to making a difference through art.

-Danielle Goldwert, Director/Writer/Animator

DIRECTOR/WRITER/ANIMATOR

Danielle Goldwert

CREATIVE CONSULTANTS

Alex Berenfeld

Benjamin Edelman

Nikki Goldwert

Gabby Goldwert

EXEECUTIVE PRODUCERS

Sylvan Goldwert

Dalit Goldwert

ORIGINAL SCORE

Isaac Diskin

VOICE ACTING

Danny Zbel

DANIELLE GOLDWERT

Director/Writer/Animator

Danielle is an emerging filmmaker and PhD student at New York University, where she blends her passion for film with her academic expertise in social psychology and climate change. Her research at NYU focuses on employing behavioral science to develop more effective and inclusive strategies for global climate action, enhancing how we communicate and respond to environmental challenges.

In her filmmaking, Danielle explores these themes, crafting narratives that resonate with urgency and insight. Her latest project, waterlogged, exemplifies this synthesis of art and science, making complex climate issues accessible and compelling. Based in New York City, Danielle’s work stands at the intersection of academic research and creative storytelling, striving to bring crucial conversations on climate change to a wider audience.

ISAAC DISKIN

Composer

Isaac Diskin is a music producer & songwriter who draws on a wide variety of influences to create evocative and moving soundscapes. His modern yet distinctly nostalgic sound is a result of the combination of Americana, jazz and electronic music that thrives within Isaac’s music. He currently lives in Los Angeles where he records and produces for local artists.