Crude

Pablo Fajardo Mendoza and Luis Yanza from Equador won last year's Goldman Environmental Prize for their battle against Chevron's contamination of the Amazon rain forest with oil. People and animals in the region have died as a result of the pollution, which has caused cancer, leukaemia and skin diseases. Joe Berlinger's documentary is a gripping story that inspires strong emotions when we see two unequal forces face one another in court: rich concerns used to following tried and tested routes to success, and committed activists defending the rights of aggrieved local people. This film records the testimonies of sick men, women and children and documents the strategies of the activists (such as engaging the support of the new Ecuadorian president, Rafael Correa, or contacting a foundation run by Sting and his wife). Most provocative, however, are the statements of environmental experts and lawyers working for Chevron, which contrast strongly with what the camera shows us. The documentary's lively tempo allows viewers to become involved with the case and decide for themselves where the truth lies.