A Crude Awakening: The Oil Crash May 8, 2008

Directed by: Basil Gelpke / Ray McCormack, Switzerland 2006, 1hr 23mins
Followed by a panel discussion with James Woudhuysen and Peter Lipman

Balancing superb archival footage with the dire warnings of contemporary scientists and political experts, this is a compelling, intelligent and highly entertaining look at what will happen when our supply of cheap oil runs out. Amidst a dark and disturbing vision of our future, the film hints at a humbler way of life built around sustainability and alternative energy, providing a visually stunning, boldly prophetic testament which provokes not just thought but action.

Directors Gelpke and McCormack show how our exploitation of oil has led not only to fabulous lifestyles our ancestors could never have imagined, but also ongoing political and economic instability worldwide. Oil production is now peaking, but the decline is likely to be very steep and very drastic, with no large-scale alternative fuel source in sight. Beautifully photographed with a haunting score, A Crude Awakening grabs you by the throat in its first minutes and never lets you go.

Following the film a panel will discuss issues of peak oil, energy, fear and our response. Speakers include James Woudhuysen, Professor of Forecasting and Innovation at De Montfort University, journalist and author of Energise: Why the Future of Energy is too Important to Leave to Politicians and Rock Stars, and Peter Lipman, Director, Liveable Neighbourhoods and Low Carbon Travel, Sustrans.

Official Website: http://www.ideasfestival.co.uk/crude_awakening.html