Film seeks solutions for U.S. oil obsession

By Katherine Peach
Western Herald

With rising oil prices affecting every aspect of the U.S. and foreign markets, one film locally addresses possible solutions.

“Crude Awakening, the Oil Crash” is being shown Oct 2. at the Unity of Kalamazoo, 1204 White Rd. at 7:30 p.m.

“Crude Awakening” was produced and directed by European journalists Basil Gelpke and Ray McCormack. The film was produced by Lava Productions. The award-winning 90-minute documentary focuses on the looming reality that oil supplies will soon run out.

The film studies the obsession over a once cheap, available energy source that is now dwindling. Scenes shot on location in the Middle East, Venezuela and Texas are complied with interviews with leading geologists, economists and political leaders.

“Our economy is based on oil and now it is struggling with it,” Schoffers said. “We hear even President Bush talk about addiction to oil. All Americans are affected by it.”

“Crude Awakening” applies to many current incidents including the motivation for the Iraqi War and the race for alternative fuels. According to the Web site, this movie deals with questions and possible solutions to widespread crisis.

“There hasn’t been enough talk about it in the media,” Schoffers said. “This actually talks to geoscientists that have been working with the oil companies. How well is America prepared to face this new challenge?”

Industry leaders dispute over the future of oil prices and supply. Predictions range from $105 to $250 a barrel by 2009. Legislators and economy leaders debate over plans of action overshadowed by a United States financial market crisis.

The film series, “Be in the KNOW,” is brought by Kalamazoo Non-Violent Components of War (KNOW).
The coalition works towards non-violent solutions for the threats of international, religious, ethnic and class conflicts. KNOW resists war and military action to create awareness and compassion in humanity.

KNOW formed in 2002 in the wake of the initial U.S. threats to invade Iraq. The group forms peace marches, holds demonstrations and forums to increase awareness in the community. KNOW sponsors the film series in connection with the WMU Peace Center. The group works on campus out of the basement of the Wesley Foundation.

The Peace Center’s mission is to educate students and encourage students to create a positive impact on the community with issues of social, environmental and economic justice.

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Posted by HeraldAdmin on Sep 30 2008. Filed under Nation, News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry

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