Educational Media Reviews Online

This film makes the argument against drilling for petroleum in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) based on solid historic evidence from similar activities that indicate such industrial activities would eventually result in migration of the calving area for the Porcupine Caribou Herd from its current ANWR location. With the relocation of the calving grounds comes the inevitable negative impact on the Porcupine Caribou stock since alternate areas are less fertile and will produce less fodder for the caribou. All this will result in fewer caribou from increased predation on the weaker animals the poor fodder supports, the smaller migrating herd producing a significant negative effect on the Gwich’in Indians of the Alaskan and Canadian Arctic. Expert naturalists and environmental scientists explain the effects of human activities and oil spill pollution on Arctic wildlife and fish stocks, while Alaskan citizens describe the lasting impacts of such tragic phenomena as the Exxon Valdez disaster (no, Exxon has not cleaned up Prudhoe Bay, nor have they paid for the environmental damage they caused) which destroyed the herring that supported the aquatic birds and mammals higher in the food chain. The film also points out that the problem is not one of petroleum supply, rather it’s one of failing to use available engineering technology to end our forced reliance on oil.

The film’s audio, video and editing are excellent. Unlike what our politicians would have us believe, ANWR is breathtakingly beautiful and the destruction of this habitat will inevitably result in the loss of yet another human culture, that of the Gwich’in. The producer/editors’ understated showcasing of the reality of the situation has the cumulative effect of raising the viewer’s blood pressure, if not making the viewer fighting mad. Nicely done!

Oil on Ice brings secondary and higher education yet another reminder that each of Earth’s citizens is affected by changes in the ecosystem, however far away from home. Graphic evidence of global warming is again presented to the viewer. Graphic evidence of the greed and self-serving interests of our politicians is also presented. Teaching opportunities abound: environmental issues, global warming, traditional cultures, as well as critical thinking for the student exposed to the half truths and rhetoric of our Senators and Representatives. Not only will the video tend to inflame activist passions, the CD itself popped into a computer and played as a CD/ROM, provides excellent web access to important resources for those who will get involved, perhaps stay involved, in the political process that may slow or stop the environmental exploitation juggernaut before it’s too late.

Awards:

• Pare Lorentz Award, International Documentary Association
• Best Conservation & Environmental Film, International Wildlife Film Festival
• Silver Plaque, Chicago International Television Awards