Free screening of Petropolis, followed by talk with director Peter Mettler

On Tuesday, February 1, folks in Toronto will have the chance to see a screening of the acclaimed documentary film Petropolis: Aerial Perspectives on the Alberta Tar Sands by Peter Mettler. The screening will be followed by an appearance by the director in conversation with journalist and editor Marc Glassman.

The film is 43 minutes long and was commissioned in 2009 by Greenpeace.

The event takes place at the Ryerson University campus in the city's downtown, near Dundas subway station. The Library LIB-72 is located at 350 Victoria St. at the North West corner of Victoria and Gould. The screening is scheduled to begin at 6:30 pm.

There is no admission charge. Anyone may attend.

http://www.petropolis-film.com/

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PETER METTLER, in conversation with Marc Glassman
including a screening of Mettler's recent film on the Alberta Oil Sands, Petropolis
February 1, 2011 - 6:30 p.m., LIB-72, Ryerson University

The IMA Student Lecture Series is proud to present an upcoming lecture at Ryerson University with independent Canadian film-maker and photographer Peter Mettler. His internationally and nationally-acclaimed work bridges the gap between experimental, narrative, personal essay, and documentary. Additional artistic activities include a wide range of ongoing engagements in music, dance, and photography.

The evening will include a screening of his latest film Petropolis, commissioned by Greenpeace, followed by a conversation between Marc Glassman and Peter Mettler.

Shot primarily from a helicopter Petropolis: Aerial Perspectives on the Alberta Tar Sands offers an unparalleled view of the world's largest industrial, capital and energy project. Canada's tar sands are an oil reserve the size of England. Extracting the crude oil called bitumen from underneath unspoiled wilderness requires a massive industrialized effort with far-reaching impacts on the land, air, water, and climate.

It's an extraordinary spectacle, whose scope can only be understood from far above. In a hypnotic flight of image and sound, one machine's perspective upon the choreography of others, suggests a dehumanized world where petroleum's power is supreme.

The film has garnered numerous prizes including: Prix du jury du jeune public de la Société des Hôteliers de la Côte, Visions du Réel (2009) Nyon, Switzerland.

Library LIB-72 is located at 350 Victoria St. (entrance is at the North West corner of Victoria and Gould), Ryerson University, Toronto, ON.

This event is FREE.