Marfa Film Festival 2018 - This Land
This land is our only home yet due to our addiction to fossil fuels - a finite, non-renewable source of energy – to sustain our lifestyles, we're putting our future at risk. In order to raise awareness, we’re producing a film that explores the issues surrounding the fossil fuel energy industry and the use of pipelines across North America. [...] These toxic artificial veins rip through the body of the earth, their dangerous flammable content a grave threat to natural ecosystems. Our hope is to inspire everyone to join the battle to protect this land and to support the adoption of renewable sources of energy before it's too late.
Interview with Director Alan Thompson
Congratulations! Why did you make your film?
The film was made with a sole question in mind: once pipelines are in the ground, does that mean that the fight is over? Using this question as a guiding principle, we focused on three instances in which local communities and individuals were still threatened with the existence of a pipeline so close to their homes. So, it was meant to be an environmental wake up call, but also to show audiences different conflicts that are very common for people not so different and not so far.
Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?
To learn about the conflicting nature of pipelines and the oil and gas industry, to see people who are risking their lives to protect the planet, and to hear stories about people who are impacted and don't normally have a voice.
How do personal and universal themes work in your film?
One of the main objectives with This Land was to look at microcosms of events and tell a bigger story. So, for example, in the film we hear about "eminent domain" and how it stole land from farmers and ranchers in West Texas just to build a pipeline, but we tell the story through the eyes of an old couple who'd been living in the same house for decades before the oil and gas company came and built a pipeline in their backyard. That perspective allowed us to explore personal attitudes and opinions while seeing and hearing the bigger picture.
How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development?
We always knew we wanted to tell a North American story, but as a short film. When the DP Jaime Puerta and I were out in the field, we found so many stories that came up and weren't even pre-produced that just naturally fit into the story and expanded the film into a feature.
What type of feedback have you received so far?
The film won best documentary at the Black Hills Film Festival in South Dakota and recently screened at Marfa Film Festival. So far, people have related to all sides presented in the film and usually leave the theater in a bit of a shock at what is happening to our planet and, sometimes, near their homes.
Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?
Absolutely. One side presented in the film is in Fort McMurray, Alberta, Canada where we are with a local fisherman who has seen the mining of the tar sands build the impoverished Fort McMurray into a wealthy and respected city. Some audience members don't necessarily agree with it, but the reality I tried to present in the film is that, in the end, it's a very complex issue, but here's what people are talking about.
What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?
To have more people see the film! And to be honored among a collective of inspiring filmmakers from around the world.
Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?
We're talking with a distributor now, but more offers are always welcome! To have a platform that has a large audience would help to really get the message of the film out in the world.
What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?
I've enjoyed it being mixed with people asking questions and being concerned and wanting to know how they can help. For documentaries, inspiring action and change is always a good accomplishment.
What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?
Just because a pipeline is in the ground, does that mean the fight is over?
Would you like to add anything else?
I hope people can find a screening near them soon and engage in a discussion after the film!
What other projects are the key creatives developing or working on now?
The same DP from this project, Jaime Puerta, and I are in post on a short documentary about a ranchera music group compromised of all brothers and sisters aged 17 and younger from Fresno, California called Los Sandy's.
Interview: August 2018
We Are Moving Stories embraces new voices in drama, documentary, animation, TV, web series, music video, women's films, LGBTQIA+, POC, First Nations, scifi, supernatural, horror, world cinema. If you have just made a film - we'd love to hear from you. Or if you know a filmmaker - can you recommend us? More info: Carmela
This Land
This land is our only home yet due to our addiction to fossil fuels - a finite, non-renewable source of energy – to sustain our lifestyles, we're putting our future at risk. In order to raise awareness, we’re producing a film that explores the issues surrounding the fossil fuel energy industry and the use of pipelines across North America. [...] These toxic artificial veins rip through the body of the earth, their dangerous flammable content a grave threat to natural ecosystems. Our hope is to inspire everyone to join the battle to protect this land and to support the adoption of renewable sources of energy before it's too late.
Length: 60min.
Director: Alan Thompson
About the writer, director and producer:
ALAN THOMPSON is an American filmmaker from Baltimore, MD currently living and working in New York City. As a director, Alan is fascinated with the lives of individuals who are often overlooked, and endeavors to present their stories in as authentic a manner as possible.
Facebook: ThisLandFilm
Twitter: @ThisLandFilm
Instagram: @ThisLandFilm
Funders: Tzu Chi USA
Made in association with: Tzu Chi USA