A film spotlighting the “economic, historical and emotional entanglement” of the North Sea oil and gas industry will hit UK cinemas today (Nov 4) – days before COP27.
“The OIL Machine”, presented by BBC Scotland and the National Lottery, is aimed at exploring the “conflicting imperatives around North Sea oil”.
Producers of the documentary said the film aims to stimulate debate as the UK Government is expected to issue around 100 new licenses through the latest exploration round opened last month, which the film producers contradicts climate goals.
It also comes as the COP27 climate summit launches in Egypt next week.
See the trailer here:
The OIL Machine film will spotlight “complexities of how oil runs through every aspect of our society – from high finance to cheap consumer goods” and explore how the North Sea can be “tamed, dismantled or repurposed”.
Filmmaker said it will explore “this invisible machine at the core of our economy and society is now up for question as activists and investors demand change. Is this the end of oil?”.
Industry leaders have argued that producing domestic oil and gas – assuming it is indeed used in the UK, rather than sold on the global market – is cleaner than imports from overseas.
Featuring industry voices including Offshore Energies UK CEO Deirdre Michie, former BP North Sea boss Emeka Emembolu and RMT’s Jake Molloy, the film also features “Scotland’s Greta” Holly Gillibrand and Mikaela Loach, among others.
The film is being produced by Sonja Henrici Creates and supported by Screen Scotland through the National Lottery.
Director Emma Davie said: “Over the next few months, the UK Govt aims to put out 100 new licenses for oil companies to bid for exploration rights in the North Sea. These companies are likely to be from all over the world. This is at a time when the IPCC Climate Report has signalled “Code Red” for humanity and urged no more drilling for fossil fuels. How does our democracy deal with this largely unknown world of oil at our doorstep at a time when climate change is causing fires, floods and huge devastation to people all over the world?
“Now more than ever it is vital we understand what is happening in the North Sea. We need to be informed about processes such as the licensing rounds which hitherto have been invisible to most of the public and to understand the link between finance and oil.
“This film is made to stimulate debate across the country at such a significant time. Screenings and public debates will be hosted by different sectors of the community ranging from MP’s to activists, scientists to lawyers, teachers to investment bankers. Every sector of our country is affected by this and we aim to mobilise a huge public discourse in all areas of society.”
Filmmakers are encouraging viewers to join a discussion on the documentary – click here for more.
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