This visual tour de force takes viewers inside one of the most compelling environmental issues of our time. Witness a David and Goliath struggle that sees a tiny First Nations community enlist major Hollywood star power to fight Canada's oil sands development.
A public relations battle rages over the impact of oil sands production on the environment and the people living downstream. This is thanks in part to a steady campaign by the residents of Fort Chipewyan in northern Alberta. They believe oil sands toxins are destroying their territory and their culture, and they've attracted some powerful voices to their cause. Chief among them is Avatar director James Cameron. At the same time, new scientific research could trigger a tipping point in the PR battle.
This two-hour special from The Nature of Things goes behind the scenes in the struggle over Canada's energy behemoth.
Awards:
♦ Nominated for Gemini Awards – Donald Brittain Award for Best Social/Political Documentary and Best Director
♦ Nominated for Best Environmental Documentary, Banff World Media Awards
♦ Winner of Best Director, Best Editor and Best Screenwriter, Alberta Film & Television Awards (The Rosies) 2011
Tipping Point: The Age of the Oil Sands, like all episodes of The Nature of Things, is well researched, adeptly filmed, skillfully edited, and thoughtfully narrated. If after watching the film one does not question what’s occurring in north eastern Alberta, particularly the “toxic costs of oil sands development”, then the scientific evidence presented by Suzuki has not helped to “trigger the tipping point for hearts and minds” of viewers. Ecologists and environmentalists like Schindler, Timoney, and Suzuki hope that Canadians will not require further habitat destruction, pollution, suffering, and death before acknowledging the priority that has to be placed on ensuring the health of the biosphere, whatever the short-term cost.
Highly Recommended
in Canadian Review of Materials (CM)
