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Deep Dive: Shifting Baselines (2025)

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Shifting Baselines
Shifting Baselines is a Canadian documentary directed by Julien Élie, focusing on the environmental and social impacts of Elon Musk's SpaceX Starbase project in Boca Chica, Texas. The film examines how the project affects local communities and the environment, presenting a critical perspective on the consequences of space colonization efforts. It contrasts the advancements brought by SpaceX with the neglect of pressing environmental issues on Earth. The film premiered on April 5, 2025, at the Visions du Réel documentary film festival and later at the Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival. It features striking black and white cinematography by Glauco Bermudez and François Messier-Rheault, capturing the stark landscapes affected by the project. The narrative includes interviews with local residents, highlighting their concerns about the impact of the space race on their lives and environment.

Why Watch

  • •See the impact of SpaceX on Boca Chica's environment.
  • •Meet local residents sharing their concerns about space travel.
  • •Find out about the consequences of space pollution.

Did You Know

•The film premiered on April 5, 2025, at Visions du Réel festival.
•Shifting Baselines won the Green Dox Award for best environmental documentary in 2025.
•The film features cinematography by Glauco Bermudez and François Messier-Rheault.
•It was a shortlisted finalist for the 2026 Prix Luc-Perreault.

Perfect For

Environmental activismSpace explorationDocumentary enthusiasts