Red Power Energy

Red Power Energy is an intriguing documentary film directed by Larry Pourier and produced by Lisa D. Olken in 2016. As its title suggests, the film delves into the intricacies and complexities of energy production, specifically as it relates to the Native American Tribes in the United States. Coming as a first-ever tribal exploration of such magnitude, the film captures the voices and perspectives of these native tribes as it intricately navigates the nexus of Native American sovereignty, economic independence, and environmental protection.

Spread across three plains Indian Tribes, namely the Sioux, Coho, and Northern Cheyenne, the film takes viewers on a thrilling journey to uncover the tribes’ nascent but steadfast steps in harnessing energy sources. Whether in wind, coal, or oil, their collective endeavor is borne out of the need for economic viability and the preservation of Mother Earth. A much-needed perspective in the global dialogue on renewable energy and fossil fuels, the film illuminates the tribes' unique position in these talks.

Red Power Energy opens a new discussion about the contentious and complex world of energy policy, energy usage, and what it means to be sustainable. Notably, the film moves away from the tone of activism commonly associated with similar themed content and instead embraces the tonality of education and discussion, aiming to promote mutual understanding. Furthermore, it outlines how these tribes can examine their past and cultural identity, and use it to dictate, rather than be dictated to, the path that their life will take in a rapidly globalizing world.

The documentary runs for 56 minutes, a seemingly short time considering the breadth of its content coverage. Still, through its in-depth exploration, it manages to provide viewers with a comprehensive examination into this critical topic. The film reveals the reservations’ energy resources and how they are exploited, documents public sentiments about energy plans, and offers interviews with tribal leaders, members, energy companies, and policy makers.

The film firmly promotes its central themes of environmental preservation, sustainability, tribal sovereignty, and economic independence. Its depiction of the resilient Native American tribes provides a fresh narrative, rarely understood beyond their communities. Through identifying a solution that not only caters to their economic needs but also serves their cultural values and beliefs, Red Power Energy ultimately opens up a broader discourse on sustaining our planet.

The directors did an impeccable job of intertwining interviews, footage, and images. This approach ensures a poignant depiction of these tribes’ plight and their noble resolve, thus, creating an ambiance of empathy and understanding. Furthermore, the cinematography focuses not only on its human subjects but also takes time to beautifully capture the landscapes that form the backdrop of these tribes’ life and commitment.

Red Power Energy presents a much-needed viewpoint on energy sources, sustainability, and environmental conservation, providing the audience with an opportunity to learn from a rich and often overlooked cultural history. Viewers get to appreciate the intrinsic relationship between these Native American tribes and their environment, grounding the need for environmental preservation in respect and reverence for the earth, and not just scientific deduction.

The expertise of Pourier, a Lakota from the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota, significantly contributes to the success of the film. He brings to the film an insider view, rare in such productions, which facilitates a more profound understanding of the issues from a Native American perspective. Coupled with Olken's multiple Emmy award-winning direction, the documentary strikes a balance between being factual, heartfelt, and visually appealing.

In conclusion, Red Power Energy is a thought-provoking presentation that succeeds in its primary objective of fostering understanding and discussion around unconventional narratives about energy use and production. By shedding light on the Native American tribes' untold stories, it reminds us that the path to sustainability and environmental preservation should not be pursued with a one-size-fits-all approach but should be open to inclusive and multicultural conversation. It is a valuable watch for anybody interested in environmental preservation, energy sources, Native American history, and those seeking an understanding of the intersection of these aspects.