An oil doc with a difference, Nicole Torre’s potent film offers us unique access to the barons, “wildcatters”, CEOs and roughnecks who comprise the world of US Big Oil.  This is the energy crisis seen from the perspective of those who actually produce and sell the stuff.

The film features some of the biggest names on the Houston scene. Behind the bluster, these executives’ deep knowledge and passion for their business reveals genuine concerns about the United States’ over-reliance on crude. The men the environmentalists love to hate have repeatedly pushed the US government to demand increased conservation and greater efficiency - but to no avail. Saving the environment seems to be a political move too far for those in power to contemplate.

Several executives openly admit that the industry’s new “wildcatter” entrepreneurs must discover and exploit fresh sustainable energy sources if the sector is to survive. Yet instead of showing the divisions, Torre’s drives home the point that historically disparate groups have a mutual need to come together and that this is no dream, but a very real possibility. We need the men in suits and 10-gallon hats more than we realise if we are to finally escape oil’s stranglehold on our lives.

“Fascinating and original. A very informative look at the energy crisis. Extremely progressive in style and content” - Current TV

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Festivals & Awards

Winner

Point of View Award, Ecofocus Film Festival, 2010
Best Director, DocuWest Documentary Film Festival, 2010

Nomination
Outstanding Business and Economic Reporting, News & Documentary Emmy Awards 2011

Official Selection

IDFA Festival, 2009
AFI Dallas International Film Festival, 2009
Cambridge International Film Festival, 2009
United Nations Association Film Festival, 2010