A year has passed since first-year School of Journalism student Jodie Martinson pedaled the pavement with a group of young environmentalists on a fact-finding mission across Alberta.
Jodie Martinson
Now, the story about that trip is available in two formats: a feature-length documentary film entitled “To The Tar Sands” directed by Martinson and a coffee table book called “Journey To The Tar Sands” to which Martinson contributed.
The documentary and book are testaments to low-budget storytelling for social change. They follow the group as they cycle over 1,300 kilometres northbound across Alberta to witness the Alberta tar sands firsthand. Along the way, the cyclists learn about the impacts of the oil sands boom from the Albertans they meet.
In September, Martinson attended the southern Alberta premiere of her feature-length documentary film “To The Tar Sands” at the 8th annual Calgary International Film Festival.
The film screened to a sold out crowd of 370 viewers with campaigning politicians and petition-toting activists, with even some brave oil industry leaders sprinkled throughout.
Martinson was thrilled by the turnout, saying, “I cannot believe the way that my hometown has come through for this screening. I think it really shows the importance of this issue for all Albertans.”
The screening was followed by a panel discussion that included representatives from the Pembina Institute, the Parklands Institute, and Andrew Nikiforuk, a Governor General Award winning author.
Since, the film has screened in numerous gymnasiums, churches, and living rooms bringing the important debate about Alberta’s tar sands to a wider audience.
Watch the trailer for To The Tar Sands:
