Watermelon Pictures to Release Environmental Doc ‘Pistachio Wars’ Worldwide

Watermelon Pictures has acquired worldwide rights to Pistachio Wars, an investigative feature from journalist Yasha Levine and filmmaker Rowan Wernham examining the role of billionaires Stewart and Lynda Resnick in California’s water crisis. Adam McKay (Don’t Look Up, Vice) has joined the project as executive producer.

Shot over several years, the documentary traces how the Resnicks built The Wonderful Company into a leading player in the state’s lucrative nut industry, while consuming more water annually than the city of Los Angeles. The film details how the couple allegedly gained influence over key elements of California’s public water system amid intensifying drought, as well as the environmental impact of large-scale agriculture, including the use of chemically tainted wastewater for irrigation. It also investigates lobbying efforts aimed at deregulating water and limiting environmental protections and explores ties between the pistachio trade and U.S. foreign policy toward Iran.

Watermelon’s head of acquisitions and production, Munir Atalla, negotiated the deal with Wernham and Levine, with Nika Soon-Shiong advising.

Watermelon Pictures plans to release Pistachio Wars later this fall.

Founded in 2024 by brothers Hamza and Badie Ali, the Chicago-based distributor focuses on films from underrepresented filmmakers and earned an Oscar shortlist for its debut release From Ground Zero, Palestine’s official submission to the 97th Academy Awards.