Denial 2016
Distributed by Bullfrog Films, PO Box 149, Oley, PA 19547; 800-543-FROG (3764)
Produced by Derek Hallquist
Directed by Derek Hallquist
DVD, color, 92 and 57 min. versions
College - General Adult
Gender Identity, Climate Change
Date Entered: 02/26/2018
Reviewed by Bonnie Jo Dopp, Librarian Emerita, University of MarylandSome sources subtitle this documentary “the dad that wanted to change the world,” perhaps to distinguish it from the other 2016 film of the same title that deals with Holocaust denial. The dad, in this case, is David Hallquist, CEO of Vermont Electric Cooperative, a leader in aiming to incorporate solar, wind, and geothermal, power sources into its supply and to maintain high modernity in terms of technology. The film, made by his son Derek, an experienced filmmaker, treats both David Hallquist’s decision to come out as transgender in adulthood and his push for green power sources for his company in the face of climate change and an aging power grid. He meets resistance (denial) in both realms. In the end, he sticks with a long view in terms of persuading people to accept clean power and an immediate decision to live as his inner woman (and his testosterone-caused cancer) demand: as Christine Hallquist, both at work and at home. Christine Hallquist announced her resignation as CEO of the company in late February 2018 to pursue running for governor of Vermont. This could drive some local interest in seeing this well-done program.