Skip to main content

Deep Dive: Gasland (2010)

Play Trailer

Film Lens

Gasland
Gasland is a documentary directed by Josh Fox that examines the impact of natural gas drilling on communities across the United States, particularly focusing on the method of hydraulic fracturing, or fracking. The film begins with Fox receiving a letter in May 2008 offering nearly $100,000 to lease his family's land in Pennsylvania for drilling. This prompts him to investigate how fracking has affected various communities, including those in Dimock, Colorado, Wyoming, Utah, and Texas. Through personal stories and interviews, the film reveals the environmental and health consequences of fracking, including contamination of air and water supplies. The documentary gained significant attention, premiering at the 2010 Sundance Film Festival where it won the Special Jury Prize for Documentary. It was later broadcast on HBO, reaching an audience of 3 million homes. The film is credited with mobilizing the anti-fracking movement and bringing the issue of hydraulic fracturing into public discourse. Despite the evidence presented, gas companies continue to deny that fracking causes contamination, leading to ongoing debates about its safety and regulation.

Why Watch

  • •See how fracking affects communities like Dimock, Pennsylvania.
  • •Find out why tap water can be lit on fire in some areas.
  • •Meet residents fighting against gas companies for clean water.

Did You Know

•Gasland premiered at the 2010 Sundance Film Festival and won a Special Jury Prize.
•The film was seen by over 250,000 people during a 250-city grassroots tour.
•Gasland was nominated for Best Documentary Feature at the 83rd Academy Awards.
•Josh Fox received an offer of nearly $100,000 to lease his family's land for drilling.

Perfect For

Environmental activismNatural gas drillingPublic health issues