Illuminating the World of Energy Politics: A Documentary Collection

Description: This documentary investigates the life and death of the General Motors EV1, an electric car that was introduced and then abruptly discontinued. It explores the politics and economics behind the suppression of electric vehicles, offering a cautionary tale for energy policy.

Fact: The film features interviews with celebrities like Mel Gibson and Tom Hanks, who were early adopters of the EV

Description: This documentary challenges conventional wisdom by presenting arguments in favor of nuclear energy as a solution to climate change, featuring interviews with former anti-nuclear activists.

Fact: The film was produced by CNN Films and premiered at the Sundance Film Festival.

Description: Al Gore returns with a follow-up to his groundbreaking documentary, focusing on the progress made in renewable energy and the ongoing battle against climate change, highlighting the importance of energy policy.

Fact: The film was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature.

Description: Set in a post-apocalyptic future, this film looks back at the early 21st century to understand why humanity failed to address climate change. It's a poignant critique of energy policy and our collective inaction.

Fact: The film was crowdfunded, making it one of the first feature films to use this method of financing.

Description: Josh Fox's investigation into the natural gas industry, particularly hydraulic fracturing or "fracking," reveals the environmental and health impacts of this controversial extraction method. It's a stark reminder of the trade-offs in energy policy decisions.

Fact: The film won the Special Jury Prize at the Sundance Film Festival and led to significant public and regulatory scrutiny of fracking practices.

Description: Following the President of the Maldives, Mohamed Nasheed, this film documents his efforts to combat climate change and rising sea levels, showcasing the intersection of energy policy and national survival.

Fact: The film was nominated for the Grand Jury Prize at the Sundance Film Festival.

Description: Focusing on the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, this documentary examines the aftermath, the lives affected, and the broader implications for energy policy and environmental regulations.

Fact: The film was nominated for the Grand Jury Prize at the Sundance Film Festival.

Description: This documentary explores how Cuba managed to survive the economic crisis following the collapse of the Soviet Union, which led to a drastic reduction in oil imports. It's a fascinating look at how a nation adapted to energy scarcity, offering insights into resilience and community strength.

Fact: The film was produced by Faith Morgan, who also directed the documentary. It has been widely used in permaculture courses to illustrate sustainable living.

Description: Joe Berlinger's documentary follows a lawsuit against Chevron for environmental damage in the Ecuadorian Amazon. It's an eye-opening look at the human and ecological costs of oil extraction and the legal battles that ensue.

Fact: The film was shot over five years, capturing the complexities of the legal proceedings and the lives of those affected.

Description: This film takes a balanced approach, exploring various energy sources and their implications for global energy policy. It's an educational journey through the world's energy landscape.

Fact: The documentary was developed with input from the University of Texas at Austin's Energy Institute.