Watch Oil on Ice

Oil on Ice is a documentary film that tells the story of one of the largest environmental battles in U.S history. The movie aims to bring attention to the dangers of oil drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, known as ANWR. The film was released in 2004, and it stars Peter Coyote, Adeline Peter Raboff, Amory Lovins, and many other ecological experts, scientists, and advocates from all over the world.

The title of the film, "Oil on Ice," refers to the precious natural beauty that would be destroyed by oil drilling in ANWR. The Arctic refuge is an expansive wilderness area in northeastern Alaska that is home to diverse wildlife and one of the few remaining pristine ecosystems in North America. However, this area has long been targeted by oil companies who want to extract the vast oil reserves present beneath the ground.

The film takes a comprehensive look at the issue of oil drilling in ANWR, examining its potential environmental impact, political implications, and Indigenous rights violations. It delves into the history of oil exploration in Alaska, starting from the early 20th century when oil first began to be extracted from the state. The film then examines the present scenario, where the oil industry, environmentalists, and government officials are locked in a heated debate regarding the fate of ANWR.

Oil on Ice features interviews with various environmentalists, scientists, and local residents who speak passionately about the importance of ANWR for wildlife preservation and Indigenous cultures. The documentary also features stunning visuals of Alaska's majestic landscapes, including images of the pristine tundras, snow-capped mountains, and icy rivers where grizzly bears, caribou, and wolves roam free.

The film covers the ongoing political drama surrounding the ANWR situation, including the 2002 debate in the US Senate over drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. The debate saw passionate speeches from both sides, with proponents arguing that domestic oil production could decrease the US reliance on foreign oil, while opponents warned of the environmental damage that would be done by drilling in the pristine wilderness of Alaska.

One of the core themes of the film is the importance of Indigenous voices in the ANWR debate. The Gwich'in people, who have lived in and around the ANWR area for thousands of years, are one of the tribes that would be most affected by the oil drilling. They depend on the Porcupine caribou herd, which migrates through ANWR each year, for their food, clothing, and cultural practices. The documentary interviews members of the Gwich'in community who speak eloquently about their connection to the land and their deep concerns about the impact of oil drilling.

Another important issue explored in the film is the potential environmental damage caused by oil drilling in Arctic waters. The documentary shows how oil spills and pollution can have disastrous consequences for marine life and fishing communities. It also examines the security risks associated with oil drilling in a region that is highly remote and difficult to access, where the harsh weather and treacherous seas pose significant challenges for oil companies.

In conclusion, Oil on Ice is a thought-provoking documentary that sheds light on the environmental, political, and social ramifications of oil drilling in ANWR. The movie presents a compelling argument against the exploitation of the Arctic region and encourages viewers to take action to protect this precious ecosystem for future generations. The film is a must-watch for anyone concerned about the environment and the impact of human activities on the natural world.

Oil on Ice is a 2005 documentary with a runtime of 56 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.8.