Film review how to blow up a pipeline

"How to Blow Up a Pipeline" is a documentary film directed by filmmaker and writer, Emily James. The film is an insightful and provocative exploration of the activism and direct action against the fossil fuel industry. The documentary delves into the lives of several individuals who are taking a stand against pipelines, specifically the Keystone XL pipeline, and their efforts to stop it from being built.

The film opens with a peaceful protest in Nebraska where individuals are sitting in a field with a banner that reads "STOP THE PIPELINE." They are soon joined by others, and the group grows to several hundred. The mood is festive and peaceful, but the message is clear: they want the pipeline to be stopped.

From there, the film introduces us to several individuals who are actively involved in the movement against the pipeline. One of them is a farmer named Art Tanderup, who is fighting against the pipeline because it would destroy his land and his way of life. Another is a young activist named Gabriel, who is part of a group called "Valve Turners" that physically shut off pipelines to draw attention to the dangers of the fossil fuel industry.

The film also explores the tactics used by activists to stop pipelines, such as the use of lockboxes, tree-sits, and other forms of direct action. These actions are often seen as illegal, and those who participate in them can face serious legal consequences. However, for the activists, the risks are worth it because they are fighting for something they believe in.

The film also features interviews with experts in the field, including Naomi Klein and Bill McKibben, who provide context and analysis of the issue. They explain that the fight against pipelines is not just about stopping a single project but about changing the system as a whole. They argue that the fossil fuel industry is responsible for climate change, and if we want to address this issue, we need to move away from fossil fuels and toward renewable energy.

One of the strengths of the film is its focus on the personal stories of the individuals involved in the movement. By giving a voice to those who are fighting against the pipeline, the film humanizes the issue and makes it clear that this is not just an abstract political debate. These are real people with real concerns about the impact of the pipeline on their lives.

The film also does an excellent job of showing the complexity of the issue. It acknowledges that there are legitimate concerns about job loss and economic impacts, but it also makes it clear that the costs of inaction are far greater. It presents a compelling argument that the fight against pipelines is not just an environmental issue but a social justice issue as well.

The cinematography in the film is also worth mentioning. The shots of the Nebraska landscape are stunning, and the film captures the beauty of the land that is at risk of being destroyed by the pipeline. The film also features some impressive footage of the direct actions taken by the activists, which gives the viewer a sense of the scale and intensity of the movement.

Overall, "How to Blow Up a Pipeline" is a thought-provoking and compelling documentary that provides a nuanced look at the activism against pipelines. It is a film that will appeal to anyone who is interested in environmental issues, social justice, or activism. The film encourages us to think critically about our dependence on fossil fuels and the costs of continuing to support the fossil fuel industry. It is a call to action for all of us to do our part in the fight against climate change.