An award winning documentary makes you think

WWF Canada

By Heather Leschied, Water Stewardship Program Manager, Wildsight
David Lavallee’s film, White Water, Black Gold, has been chosen as an official selection for a number of festivals, including the Projecting Change Film Festival, it received the John Muir Award at the Yosemite Film Festival, and most recently, was chosen as Best Canadian Film at the Vancouver International Mountain Film Festival.

‘White Water, Black Gold’ documentary director David Lavallee. Photo credit: Alan Bibby

I remember when I first met David. It was at Pat and Baiba Morrow’s home in Wilmer, BC. As a young, first time film-maker, the Morrow’s saw in David the same energy and passion that has propelled their own film and photographic adventures. This ever humble team has claimed the first ascent of the seven summits, for which Pat received the Order of Canada. Since this first meeting, Wildsight has become a sponsor of White Water, Black Gold and hosted the first public screening of the film at our small community theatre, the Toby Theatre.
I was also fortunate to visit with David during the screening of his film at the Banff Mountain Film Festival, and found out how the film’s distribution was coming. With all of the attention and awards, David has sparked a deep discussion wherever he goes.
The following questions are real questions, asked by audience members throughout David’s travels, and they’re intended to fuel a national dialogue about the “world’s thirstiest oil industry.”
1. What is your understanding of the term “ethical oil”?
2. What are your expectations for monitoring and reporting on the activities in the oil sands?
3. What does the future look like with, and without, oil?
4. How do you think the world views Canada’s oil sands development?
5. How do you feel about foreign investment in Canada’s oil sands? What level of regulation is appropriate for multinational corporations working in the oil sands?
6. What is the most effective way for Canadians to voice their opinion on the oil sands?
 
White Water, Black Gold makes its Canadian Broadcast Premiere on Thursday, March 22 at 10 pm ET on TVO.