Dirty Oil On DVD

Through the eyes of scientists, big oil officials, politicians, doctors, environmentalists, and aboriginal citizens directly impacted by the largest industrial project on the planet today, the filmmakers journey to both sides of the border to see the emotional and irreversible toll this black gold rush fuelled by America s addiction to oil is taking on our planet.

When I was first approached about making a documentary concerning the Canadian Oil Sands, I admittedly knew very little about the business, environmental and social issues surrounding this vast source of energy. Upon initial research and a trip to the Alberta oil sands, I learnt of the mass exploitation and plight of the great Canadian Boreal Forest, its endangered species, aboriginal communities and one lone doctor trying to save lives. It was then that my curiosity turned to passion and I joined the growing army of individuals trying to expose this dangerous multi-billion dollar oil machine.

Along the way I made many friends and encountered many heroes. They are represented in this film. I have listened to their stories, heard their anger and seen their tears. It was through their eyes that I realized my part in their plight. Americans are the largest consumer of Canadian oil and know virtually nothing about it. The irony (and tragedy) is that the refining of Canadian Oil in the U.S. is a mirror image of what is happening in Alberta: sacrificing the environment for jobs, covering up toxic pollution, exploiting natural resources and people - all in the name of big business and devastating greed. Every country that buys Canadian oil plays a part in this vast oil saga.

My hope is that at the end of the film, viewers will be moved and inspired to wean off this dangerous addiction to Dirty Oil and help preserve our planet’s last remaining gems.