Opening this Wednesday, September 15: GASLAND
Josh Fox’s debut documentary premiered in competition at Sundance this year, where it picked up a special jury prize.
In this intimate personal documentary, Fox functions not only as the filmmaker but as the film’s guide, exploring the natural gas industry after he is offered a large sum of money to lease his property to drill for the reserves far beneath it. Focusing on a recently discovered large expanse of natural gas, the Marcellus Shale, Fox visits numerous land owners in his same position across more than 30 states to witness flammable drinking water, toxic streams, increased incidents of diseases, and animal deaths. The film is a well-made analysis of the risks and benefits associated with exploiting natural resources, and the short-sightedness that’s already created huge problems for families and communities swayed by the promise of immediate payoffs.
what (not) to doc 