Sagebrush Gold
A lithium mine being built in Nevada's remote sagebrush desert promises us a greener future, but local ranchers, environmentalists, and indigenous tribes share a different side to the story.
Interview with Writer/Director/Producer Marcus Widger
Congratulations! Why did you make your film?
I made Sagebrush Gold because I felt there was a need to better understand the environmental and cultural costs of lithium mining for electric vehicles. In general, this topic is seldom reported on, and when reported, it's usually quite biased in favour of technology (and ultimately mining). I wanted to make a film on the nuances of this topic with no narration, and from a more observational point of view, in the hope of revealing underlying truths that mainstream reporting and documentary styles may not be able to convey.
Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?
Anybody interested in purchasing an electric vehicle in the near future will likely get something out of this film (which is a lot of people). I think it’s also important for audiences to be aware of a division happening in the environmental movement. Some value technology (and more mining) as a solution, and others value strict environmental preservation, with no real consensus between both sides. This film is meant to challenge your own opinion about the proposed solutions to the climate and biodiversity crisis by showing both sides of this argument in a none didactic way (hopefully).
How do personal and universal themes work in your film?
The health of the environment affects everyone. We all have a stake in what happens to the planet in the coming decades. On an individual level, we can make informed decisions to slow down and ultimately halt our destructive way of life. On a collective level, we can hold governments and corporations accountable for permitting destructive industries to continue. Power belongs to the people!
How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development?
I have a very fluid approach to filmmaking. I start with a rough shooting script with key story beats I would like to see, but I also like to let my films 'make themselves'. For instance: the mormon cricket scene in the film was not in the original shooting script. I had no idea there would be a mass cricket spawning event when I arrived on location. After shooting it I was even on the fence about including the scene in the film, but our editor Tomasso insisted, and cut it together perfectly. It has since become my favourite part of the film. I think it sums up the film's overall message better than I could have written.
What type of feedback have you received so far?
Both positive and negative. People are very passionate about this topic! Audience feedback on the film's message largely reflects the contributors' opinions you see and hear on screen. I guess I'm not surprised!
What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?
Just to get the film and its message out to a bigger audience! But I'm also always looking for my next gig - so if any of you reading this want to collaborate please don't hesitate to reach out!
Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?
All of the above would be great. I guess I want the public to come on board with the film's overall message as well. We as citizens must be critical of any climate change solutions that require industrial-scale mining and manufacturing. The energy transition needs to happen justly and judicially for both humans and non-humans alike.
What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?
My main goal is to raise awareness about the environmental and cultural costs of lithium mining (the film can also apply to mining in general). Unfortunately, I don't think the film has the power to halt this specific mine, but if it can play a part in raising awareness, and halt future problematic mines from being built, then I think that would be a massive win for this 20-minute student film.
Would you like to add anything else?
I would like to thank my brilliantly talented team, without whom Sagebrush Gold would not exist.
I also want to thank and acknowledge the Paiute-Shoshone Tribe whose ancestral lands I filmed on. In addition, I want to thank and bring attention to The People of Red Mountain, an organisation created by members from the Fort McDermitt Paiute-Shoshone Tribe fighting hard against the Thacker Pass Lithium Mine. For more information please visit their socials and website - https://peopleofredmountain.com/.
What other projects are the key creatives developing or working on now?
All of the film's creatives have recently graduated from the National Film and Television School in the UK. Marcus is working as a shooting researcher / AP for various production companies and is currently developing a story about whales.
Interview: February 2023
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
Sagebrush Gold
A lithium mine being built in Nevada's remote sagebrush desert promises us a greener future, but local ranchers, environmentalists, and indigenous tribes share a different side to the story.
Length: 23:02
Director: Marcus Widger
Producer: Marcus Widger
Writer: Marcus Widger
About the writer, director and producer:
MARCUS WIDGER is a student BAFTA-nominated and award-winning filmmaker based in London. His films explore the complex relationship between people and nature, and set out to challenge audience expectations about what a nature film can be. His work has been screened at film festivals around the world. In 2022 Marcus graduated from the National Film & Television School with an MA in directing and producing science and natural history. Recently he has worked on projects for UK-based production companies such as Pioneer, Talesmith, and the BBC.
Facebook: Marcus Widger
Instagram: @marcus.widger
Hashtags used: #SagebrushGold
Website: www.marcuswidger.com