Sand Wars is a compelling documentary that delves into the global sand crisis. It examines how the overexploitation of sand resources is leading to environmental degradation and threatening coastal communities.

Most of us consider it a complementary ingredient of any beach vacation. Yet those seemingly insignificant grains of silica surround our daily lives. 

Every house, skyscraper, glass building, bridge, airport, and sidewalk in our modern society depends on sand. We use it to manufacture optical fiber, cell phone components, and computer chips. We find it in our toothpaste, powdered foods, and even in our glass of wine (both the glass and the wine, as a fining agent)! 

Is sand an infinite resource? Can the existing supply satisfy a gigantic demand fueled by construction booms? What are the consequences of intensive beach sand mining for the environment and the neighboring populations?

Based on encounters with sand smugglers, barefoot millionaires, corrupt politicians, unscrupulous real estate developers, and environmentalists, this investigation takes us around the globe to unveil a new gold rush and a disturbing fact: the “SAND WARS” have begun.