Independent Lens Season 6 Episode 11 Power Trip

In season 6, episode 11 of Independent Lens, titled "Power Trip," viewers are taken on a journey through the political and social landscape of present-day Georgia, a former Soviet state. The episode focuses on the controversial issue of privatization, specifically in the energy sector.

The episode explores the acquisition of Georgia's electrical grid by an American company and the subsequent rise in electricity fees for citizens. The film takes a critical look at the effects of privatization on a country's citizens and their access to essential services. It also reflects on the wider debates happening globally around privatization and its implications for citizens.

The episode follows the story of Tbilisi's electrical utility company, fully owned by the government, as it is sold to a private American energy corporation, AES. Although the goal was to improve the country's outdated power grids and reduce the dependence on Russian energy, it resulted in significant power outages, increased prices, and widespread protests. AES promised better maintenance, fewer outages, and more efficient power for citizens, which were not realized.

The film explores the personalities behind the privatisation drive and the impact of the new system on the citizens of Georgia. It looks at the complexities of business, politics, and media influence. The episode features interviews with government officials, business executives, journalists, and citizens. The interviews offer diverse perspectives on how privatization has affected their lives and Georgia's future.

The documentary highlights the role of the media in shaping public opinion and the government's reactionary stance to criticism. It shows how the media is complicit in shaping Georgian's attitudes towards privatisation, despite the evidence showing that it has been detrimental to society.

The episode explores the impact the privatisation drive has had on Georgia's historically socialist society, where access to basic necessities such as electricity and water was considered a fundamental right. It considers whether privatisation ultimately undermines the dignity and self-determination of the country's citizens.

Through the lens of Georgia's energy privatization, the film argues that this form of capitalism is not just removing power from the state but also from people. It shows how corporations are exploiting markets, destroying public goods, and harming the public interest.

In essence, Power Trip is a deeply engrossing and thought-provoking episode that looks at one of the most pressing challenges facing the world today. It recognizes the importance of strong media pressure and the need to push companies, governments, and the media to be held accountable for their actions.

The episode leaves viewers with an important question, is privatisation really the solution to countries' energy needs, or is it a mere ruse for corporations to gain power disproportionate to the needs and interests of society as a whole?