A Story From Kenya Comes to Central New York: Join Us for the Premiere of When the Water Came
This October, a story filmed thousands of miles away is coming to Central New York.
The CNY Women’s Network is proud to partner with Big River Film Co., With My Own Two Hands, and Impact X Marketing for the October 10 Central New York premiere of When the Water Came, a short documentary filmed in Kenya that explores what can change when reliable clean water is finally within reach.
At the center of the documentary is Sharon, whose experience offers a personal look at the difference clean water can make in someone’s daily life.
Taking place at the Landmarc Building in downtown Utica, the evening will include a screening of the film, a live conversation with the people behind it, and a reception at Ocean Blue Restaurant & Oyster Bar.
We’re proud to support this event and hope you’ll join us for the evening.
Event Details
Date: Saturday, October 10, 2026
Time: 5:00–8:00 p.m.
Location: Landmarc Building (118 Columbia Street, Utica, NY)
Reception: Ocean Blue Restaurant & Oyster Bar
In-Person Tickets: $50
Virtual Attendance: Free
Members: Contact your Community Manager for an exclusive discount.
In-person tickets cover food, bar, and hospitality costs associated with the evening. Ticket revenue is separate from charitable giving.
Guests will also have the opportunity to donate directly to With My Own Two Hands in support of future water projects in Kenya.
The Evening Ahead
Film Screening: Experience the Central New York premiere of When the Water Came.
Live Conversation + Q&A: Following the film, CNY Women’s Network Founder and Cultivate host Alex Canavan will moderate a conversation with With My Own Two Hands Founder Lindsay Plumer and filmmakers Nathan Cronk and Brian Harvath about filming in Kenya, Sharon’s story, and the long-term impact of sustainable water projects.
Reception at Ocean Blue: Continue the evening with heavy appetizers, a one-hour open bar, and time to connect at Ocean Blue Restaurant & Oyster Bar. A cash bar will follow.
The Story Behind When the Water Came
Filmed in Kenya by Central New York filmmakers Nathan Cronk and Brian Harvath of Big River Film Co., When the Water Came centers on Sharon, whose experience offers a personal look at the larger impact of reliable clean water.
Through her story, the film explores how uncertainty around water can shape a woman’s daily life and how sustainable access can return valuable time, create greater independence, and open new possibilities for families and communities.
“Sharon’s story made it clear that this wasn’t simply about a water project,” said Cronk, founder and director at Big River Film Co. “It was about what becomes possible when something as fundamental as clean water is finally within reach.”
“Our goal was to create something intimate and honest,” said Harvath, partner and director of photography at Big River Film Co. “We wanted viewers to understand the larger impact through Sharon’s personal experience, not simply through facts and statistics.”
about with my own two hands
With My Own Two Hands is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit creating sustainable water and agriculture systems that drive equity in East Africa. Its community-led projects empower women and girls while creating opportunities for economic access and financial resilience.
about big river film co.
Big River Film Co. is a Central New York–based production company specializing in commercial, branded and documentary storytelling. Founded by director and producer Nathan Cronk and led alongside partner and director of photography Brian Harvath, the company creates films built around authentic people and meaningful stories.
about impact x marketing
Impact X Marketing is a Utica-based marketing and content-production company helping business owners become the face of their brands. The company provides social media content production, owner coaching and professional studio services.
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