Explosive tap water: Filmmaker Josh Fox explores the risks of fracking in "Gasland" lecture
September 24, 2012
Explosive tap water isn't often associated with New York. However, it is a problem some New Yorkers face today because of hydraulic fracturing (fracking).
Josh Fox, founder and artistic director of the International WOW Company, starts off the fall 2012 Contemporary Issues Lecture Series at 7 p.m. Monday, Oct. 1, in the Young Auditorium, with his presentation "Gasland." The lecture series, presented by the College of Letters and Sciences at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, is in its eighth year.
Susan Johnson, chair of the Political Science Department and coordinator of the lecture series, says this semester's lectures offer insight on pressing, current issues facing society today and will inspire people to "stimulate their minds and think critically."
"Presently, there is a proposal in Wisconsin for sand-fracking," Johnson said. "It's been promoted as safe, but that's not always the case. This presentation will help educate people about fracking as well as the environmental and economic consequences that come with it."
"Gasland," Fox's 2010 documentary about hydraulic fracturing in the United States, earned him an Oscar nomination, several Emmy awards, a Sundance Film Festival Special Jury Prize, the Environmental Media Award for Best Documentary and many other honors. In "Gasland," Fox reached out to scientists, politicians and gas industry executives, and visited people in states where fracking is used to investigate its effects.
Fox has written, directed and produced two feature films, in addition to more than twenty works for the stage, which have premiered in New York, Asia and Europe. The New York Times hailed him as an "adventurous impresario." Fox earned his BA from Columbia University.
CAN YOU DO THIS WITH YOUR TAP WATER? from JOSHFOX on Vimeo.
All lectures will be in the Young Auditorium at 7 p.m. and are free and open to the public:
Monday, Nov. 12: Joan Garry, "Media and its Impact on Changing Hearts and Minds"
Monday, Dec. 3: Brooke Hauser, "The New Kids: Big Dreams Brave Journeys at a High School for Immigrant Teens"