Petropolis
Aerial Perspectives on the Alberta Tar Sands
The Athabasca tar sands in Alberta are an oil reserve the size of England. Extracting crude oil that lies beneath the unspoiled wilderness requires a massive industrialized effort. Especially as this process effects catastrophic damages on land, air, water, and climate.
Peter Mettler shows us this extraordinary view from above, filming primarily from a helicopter. The film provides an insight into the world’s largest industrial, capital and energy project. In a hypnotic flight it captures this breathtaking, unparalleled view. Mettler thereby explores the clash between industry and earth, and beholds the barren wasteland that is left behind.
