The Niger Delta is a powder keg. Escalating unrest and kidnappings by militants have shut down as much as 40% of the oil production in the region. The Nigerian government continues to make and break a long string of promises to resolve the crisis. The international community is standing by while impending war looms.
Meanwhile, the people of the Delta are suffering as they have for half a century. Billions of dollars of crude oil are pumped out from beneath their feet, while they live in desperate poverty - without means of livelihood in a decimated environment...
- from the film synopsis for Sweet Crude
Just saw this movie at the Seattle International Film Festival. Not to be missed. More about the movie here.
I've wanted to see this movie since hearing about the arrest and release of director Sandy Cioffi and crew by Nigerian police in 2008. The film is a devastating look at the human and ecological toll on the Niger River Delta of oil production by Shell and Chevron. The effects of over 6000 recorded oil spills, acid rain from huge continuous burning gas flares, the collapse of the local fishing industry, and the rise of both non-violent and armed protest are beautifully and intelligently displayed in this film.
Ironically, one of the highlights is the unedited footage of an ABC Nightline interview by (idiot!) Brian Ross with a Nigerian militant, followed by the Nightline story as it actually aired. It becomes apparent that Ross simply wants to be able to label the militants as "terrorists" with links to Al Qaeda, and when that doesn't happen he loses interest.
For me, the journey that Cioffi makes from objective, dispassionate documentarian to dedicated activist is the most interesting part of the film. Clearly uncomfortable with her changing frame of reference, she is yet compelled to enter the story she is filming.
Also central is the journey of the local activists, who eloquently discuss their vision for self determination and a fair (or any) share of the oil profits, and struggle with maintaining a non-violent posture in the face of brutal government oppression - when guns seem the only way to make anyone pay attention.
In a bit of news, we were told today that Sweet Crude has been selected for DocuWeek, a week of commercial theatrical runs in New York and LA organized by the International Documentary Association, to qualify for the Academy Award consideration. Cool!