Watch Split Estate

Split Estate is a 2009 documentary film directed by Debra Anderson. The film takes a look at the issue of hydraulic fracturing or fracking in the Rocky Mountain states of Colorado and Wyoming. The film explores the tension between surface landowners and mineral rights owners as they battle for control of the land and its resources. The movie begins by introducing the audience to the process of hydraulic fracturing, an oil and gas drilling technique. Hydraulic fracturing involves injecting water, sand and chemicals into rock formations to release natural gas and oil. The film discusses the dangers of this practice, such as the potential for toxic chemicals to contaminate the water supply and cause health problems for entire communities.

The movie then dives into the complicated issue of split estate, which gives mineral rights owners the legal right to drill on private property without the consent of the surface landowners. This has led to significant tension between the two groups, with surface landowners feeling powerless to protect their property from the environmental and health hazards posed by fracking.

Throughout the film, we meet several residents of Colorado and Wyoming who have been directly impacted by fracking. From families who have watched their water turn brown and salty, to farmers who have lost crops due to poisoned soil, to homeowners who have suffered from respiratory problems and other health issues, the human toll of fracking is explored exhaustively.

Alongside stories of personal struggle and difficulty, Split Estate provides a comprehensive look at the political and economic factors driving the expansion of fracking. The film examines the role of lobbyists and politicians in shaping regulations around the industry, and highlights the ways in which corporations are able to exploit outdated laws to extract resources from the land at the expense of everyday people.

As the movie progresses, the tension between surface landowners and mineral rights owners continues to build. We see protests and legal battles unfold, as both sides struggle to claim ownership over the land. But while these efforts may succeed in individual cases, it quickly becomes clear that the larger political and economic forces at play make real change difficult to achieve.

Split Estate is a powerful and informative documentary that sheds light on the complicated and often-controversial issue of fracking. Through interviews with residents, experts, and industry insiders, the film provides a comprehensive look at the environmental, social, and economic impacts of hydraulic fracturing. While the tone of the movie can be bleak at times, it ultimately leaves the audience hopeful that real change is possible, and that citizens can rise up to demand better protections for their land, their water, and their health.

Split Estate is a 2009 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 16 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 8.0.