Pistachio Wars
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Rowan Wernham
- October 7, 2025
| Pistachio Wars | |
|---|---|
| Directed by | Yasha Levine Rowan Wernham |
| Produced by | Adam McKay |
| Distributed by | Watermelon Pictures |
Release date |
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Pistachio Wars is a 2025 political and environmental documentary directed by Yasha Levine and Rowan Wernham.[1][2][3] The documentary centers on Stewart and Lynda Resnick, owners of The Wonderful Company, which owns brands including Wonderful Pistachios, POM Wonderful and Fiji Water.[4][5]
Prior to the 1979 Iranian Revolution, Iran was the primary producer and exporter of pistachios.[6] Following the revolution, California pistachio farmers began to increase their market share of the global pistachio market.[6] This included Stewart and Lynda Resnick, and as of 2023, Wonderful Pistachios was the largest producer of pistachios in the US.[6][7]
Summary
Pistachio Wars centers on "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."[8]
The documentary also features evidence that the Resnick family "donate to hawkish-on-Iran think tanks and lobbying groups, and Republican members of Congress from the San Joaquin Valley have been outspoken Iran critics."[9] The documentary suggests that continued hostile relations with Iran have been to the benefit of the American pistachio industry.[9]
Production
The film was shot over several years in California.[8] In 2025, Watermelon Pictures acquired worldwide distribution rights for the film.[8]
