Every Living Thing: A Cinematic Investigation Into the Commodification of Our Most Vital Resource

The 2026 feature documentary Every Living Thing asks a chilling and fundamental question: how did something as essential as water become a commodity humanity could own, price, and weaponize? Directed and written by Uzair Merchant, this 113-minute English-language film aims to radically reframe the global conversation around water bankruptcy.   

Built as a cross-border production, the project connects the cinematic and strategic ecosystems of the United Arab Emirates, Canada, and India. The film made its international market debut at TIFF: The Market in Toronto on September 9, 2026, supported by Canadian production base bkreativ Productions and UAE strategic partner VIBE. It has also established a formidable presence in the Indian entertainment landscape, screening for industry professionals at the WAVES Doc Bazaar Viewing Room in Mumbai and participating in the Bharat Pavilion.   

A Five-Act Journey Through the Lifeblood of the Planet

Rather than framing water strictly as a localized environmental issue, Every Living Thing explores the element as a massive, interconnected system across five distinct acts: Prophecy & Origins, The Science of Water, Commodification & Control, Human Cost & Weaponization, and Hope & Solutions. As director Uzair Merchant notes, the project is "not a documentary about water," but rather "a human survival story about the most sacred, exploited, and politically charged element on Earth".   

The documentary is anchored by the commanding voice of Bollywood and Hollywood veteran Kabir Bedi, who serves as the film's narrator. The narrative is further expanded by eleven diverse on-screen perspectives, including three-time Grammy-winning composer Ricky Kej, Gaza-based journalist Plestia Alaqad, and scientific researchers such as Dr. Yasuyuki Nemoto. Together, these voices dissect how water dictates biology, spirituality, politics, and global markets.   

Beyond the Screen: The Water For All Pledge

The ambitions of Every Living Thing extend far beyond a traditional theatrical run. The film is accompanied by the "Water For All Pledge," a global signature campaign explicitly calling upon the United Nations to affirm safe, clean water as an inalienable human right and to enact binding legislation preventing its profit-driven privatization. As of September 2026, the campaign's live tracker had captured over 18,300 signatures, moving steadily toward its goal of one million voices.   

With an impact and education tour currently in development alongside organizations like Penny Appeal, Surge, and the Rector Cares Foundation, the film is poised to transition its cinematic observation into urgent, real-world community action.