Arsenal Kino, Potsdamer Str. 2, Berlin
Gasland: A Film by Josh Fox (2010)
Followed by a discussion: “‘Gasland’ in Germany?”
Part of the One World Berlin Film Festival
Ava’s Transatlantic Green Salon (http://avasgreensalon.wordpress.com) and American Voices Abroad Berlin present a discussion on Josh Fox’s film “Gasland” with natural gas expert Benjamin Scholz.
Josh Fox’s literally explosive film “Gasland” gives voice to the bitter controversy surrounding “fracking”, an “unconventional” form of natural gas drilling that has swept the U.S. in recent years. Many regard natural gas as a cleaner fossil fuel and a key part of a more sustainable energy mix that can help wean us off oil. But what are the environmental costs of this “cleaner” fuel? Can regulation ensure a responsible, transparent gas industry in the U.S. and in Europe? And as Der Spiegel reports that fracking is being tested in Germany, is “Gasland” possible here? Benjamin Scholz from the “Initiative für nachhaltige Entwicklung e. V.” will discuss these and other questions following the film screening.
On the film:
“The largest domestic natural gas drilling boom in history has swept across the United States. The Halliburton-developed drilling technology of ‘fracking’ or hydraulic fracturing has unlocked a ‘Saudia Arabia of natural gas’ just beneath us. But is fracking safe? When filmmaker Josh Fox is asked to lease his land for drilling, he embarks on a cross-country odyssey uncovering a trail of secrets, lies and contamination. A recently drilled nearby Pennsylvania town reports that residents are able to light their drinking water on fire. This is just one of the many absurd and astonishing revelations of a new country called GASLAND. Part vérité travelogue, part exposé, part mystery, part bluegrass banjo meltdown, part showdown.” http://gaslandthemovie.com/
Special Jury Prize, Sundance Film Festival
“…one of the most effective and expressive environmental films of recent years.” – Variety
“On the want-to-see- scale, GASLAND tops the list” – Washington Post
“Riveting” – LA Weekly
“GASLAND just might be the best film of the year.” – The Huffington Post
