Necessity: Oil, Water & Climate Resistance

Necessity: Oil, Water & Climate Resistance is an illuminating documentary film that delves into the stark realities of environmental issues, energy production, human rights, and climate change. This potent documentary uniquely personifies the concept of the planet being at war with those who profit from its resources. It does this by focusing on the struggles and resistance of a disparate but dedicated group of activists driven by the dire necessity to protect our fragile environment and strive for comprehensive climate justice.

The film examines natural resources' economic exploitation, such as oil and water, and the negative impact on the environment and marginalized communities. Crowned with a determined sense of urgency, the documentary effectively para-links the issues of climate change with civil rights, human rights, and social justice.

This feature-length exposé is centered on the undaunted battles of indigenous communities, environmental activists and legal defenders in the Midwest and North America. Across the vast oil and water pipelines of this region, these groups contest against corporations and the government to safeguard their lands, rights, and the world's future.

The film intersects the narratives of arrests and legal actions initiated by environmental activists protesting against oil pipelines such as the Dakota Access Pipeline and Enbridge Line 3. Their seismic discontent is projected against the backdrop of our fossil-fuel driven economy, corporate greed, and governmental apathy towards environmental concerns. The defiant protests of these activists, their fierce acts of civil disobedience, the subsequent court battles, and their impassable dedication form the backbone of this narrative, contributing to its stirring emotional core.

As directed by Jan Haaken, a psychology professor and clinical psychologist turned filmmaker, Necessity: Oil, Water & Climate Resistance works an analytical, reflective eye while maintaining its poignant storytelling. The story oscillates between heartbreaking realities, stories of resistance, and pepperings of hope for a better future, all the while hinted at through its compelling storytelling.

The film not only showcases the issues and stories of resistance but also portrays the comprehensive, undeterred legal battles that followed. These were fought against the backdrop of the 'necessity defense,’ where defendants argue that their actions were necessary to prevent greater harm. These powerful courtroom battles unfolded a unique interplay between legal strategies, social change dynamics, and the role of the criminal justice system in responding to the escalating environmental crisis.

Necessity: Oil, Water & Climate Resistance offers a compassionate portrait of the front-line environmental defenders, including the indigenous water protectors. Their fight against the continued drilling and construction of oil pipelines that not only threatens the already perturbed environmental balance but also infringes on the tribal sovereignty of indigenous people is powerfully painted across the documentary's canvas. They evoke a raw emotional truth - the necessary resistance against transgressions committed in the name of progress and economic gain.

Additionally, the film doesn't shy away from showcasing the complex reality of transitioning from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources. It underscores the understanding that such a transition needs to be planned thoughtfully to prevent it from becoming another transportation issue leading to environmental injustice.

This documentary does a fantastic job blending interviews, frontline footage, and static investigations into a compelling narrative that sheds light on the urgency of climate change and the dire consequences of environmental negligence. The film pulls no punches in illustrating the devastating environmental and social effects of the oil industry and offers an intimate exploration of the growing wave of resistance necessary to counteract climate change.

Overall, Necessity: Oil, Water & Climate Resistance is a moving documentary that uplifts unsung heroes, recognizes their struggles, and champions the call for real, sustainable change. It is a powerful testament to the essential human drive to protect life in all its forms and presents an urgent call to action in these perilous times. With its thorough examination of climate change, the documentary is a clarion call for unity, understanding, and action. It's a must-watch for anyone interested in understanding the interconnectivity of social and environmental justice or anyone concerned about global climate change.