Watch Wiebo's War

Wiebo's War is a powerful documentary that tells the story of Wiebo Ludwig, a Canadian oil patch warrior who waged a fierce battle against the oil and gas industry in his community of Trickle Creek, Alberta. The film offers an honest and compassionate portrayal of the man behind the headlines, and explores the complex web of political, environmental, and personal issues that drove him to take extreme actions in defense of his land and his family.

The film opens with stunning aerial footage of the Trickle Creek valley, a pristine wilderness area that was once home to Wiebo and his family. We learn that Wiebo was a devout Christian who moved to the area in the early 1980s with his wife and children to live a self-sufficient, off-the-grid lifestyle. They built their own house, raised their own livestock, and raised their children in a home-schooling environment.

But their idyllic existence was soon interrupted by the arrival of the oil and gas industry, which began drilling for natural gas in the area. Wiebo and his neighbors soon began experiencing mysterious health problems and environmental damage, and the community became increasingly divided over how to respond to the industry's encroachment.

Wiebo emerged as a charismatic leader of the anti-oil movement, and the film chronicles his efforts to organize peaceful protests, engage in dialogue with government and industry officials, and raise public awareness about the dangers of fracking and other forms of resource extraction.

But as the situation grew more dire, Wiebo became increasingly militant in his tactics. He was suspected of vandalizing oil and gas facilities, and his family was raided by police and accused of pipeline bombings. Wiebo vehemently denied any involvement in these actions, but his reputation was tarnished and his family was torn apart by suspicion and fear.

As the film unfolds, we see Wiebo struggling to maintain his sanity and his faith in the face of overwhelming opposition. He grapples with feelings of anger, guilt, and isolation, and even comes to question the effectiveness of his own tactics. Yet he remains committed to his cause, and refuses to back down even in the face of personal tragedy.

Throughout the film, the viewer is struck by the complexity of Wiebo's character, as well as the conflicting emotions he evokes in those around him. He is alternately described as a hero, a monster, a mystic, and a madman, and each of these labels contains some measure of truth. But the film ultimately leaves its audience to make its own judgement about Wiebo's legacy and his place in Canadian history.

One of the most striking features of Wiebo's War is its visual style. The film was shot on 16mm film, giving it a tactile, organic quality that feels refreshingly authentic in an era of slick, digital productions. The cinematography is both beautiful and haunting, capturing the rugged beauty of the Canadian wilderness as well as the chaos and confusion of the human drama unfolding within it.

Overall, Wiebo's War is a powerful and thought-provoking film that sheds light on a little-known chapter in Canadian history. It challenges our assumptions about the role of technology and industry in our lives, and raises important questions about the ethics of resistance and the limits of peaceful protest. Whether you're interested in environmental issues, Canadian history, or just a good human story, this film is sure to leave a lasting impression.

Wiebo's War is a 2011 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 33 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.4.