Backyard

Deia Schlosberg/ 2013/ 28 min/ Energy

FILM DESCRIPTION: In an era where energy demands escalate and fossil fuel reserves dwindle, energy companies are pushing the boundaries of extraction techniques, delving deeper and further into the Earth’s crust to satisfy our growing appetite for energy. “Backyard” is a compelling documentary that takes a critical look at this pressing issue, focusing on the controversial practice of hydraulic fracturing, or hydro-fracking, which has become a focal point of environmental and social contention.

The film delves into the complexities and consequences of hydro-fracking by examining four distinct states in various stages of this extraction process. Each location provides a unique perspective on the impact of this controversial method, revealing a tapestry of stories from people directly affected by the relentless pursuit of natural gas.

We witness the early stages of hydro-fracking development, where communities are grappling with the initial promises of economic prosperity juxtaposed with the burgeoning environmental and health concerns. Residents find themselves at a crossroads, as the promise of jobs and local revenue clashes with fears of water contamination and air pollution. The film paints a vivid picture of the tension between economic benefit and environmental sustainability, capturing the voices of those who feel the weight of these decisions in their everyday lives.

The documentary highlights the work of environmental advocates, concerned citizens, and local leaders who are striving to protect their communities from the potential hazards associated with hydro-fracking. Their efforts reflect a broader struggle to balance progress with preservation and to safeguard the health of both people and the environment.

Through the eyes of those living in the heart of the extraction zones, "Backyard" reveals the profound impact on local ecosystems and public health. Stories of polluted water sources, degraded landscapes, and rising health issues underscore the human cost of the industry's relentless pursuit. The documentary does not shy away from showcasing the often devastating consequences of hydro-fracking on everyday life, providing a stark contrast to the industry's promises of clean energy and economic growth.

"Backyard" examines a state where hydro-fracking is a well-established practice and has become an integral part of the energy landscape. Here, the film presents a nuanced view of the industry’s long-term effects on both the environment and local communities. It portrays a region that has adapted to the presence of hydro-fracking, highlighting both the resilience of its people and the ongoing challenges they face. The documentary captures a sense of normalization of the practice, while also addressing the ongoing debates and calls for reform from those who remain concerned about the long-term impacts on their surroundings.

"Backyard" provides a powerful and multifaceted exploration of hydro-fracking, offering viewers an in-depth look at the intersection of energy needs, environmental protection, and community well-being. Through a series of poignant stories and striking visuals, the film underscores the broader implications of this extraction method and encourages viewers to reflect on the true cost of our energy choices. It is a thought-provoking examination of how the pursuit of fossil fuels can affect the delicate balance between progress and preservation, and a call to consider the far-reaching impacts of our energy policies on both our communities and the planet.

Director Bio: Deia made national news in October, 2016, when she was arrested and charged with 45 years' worth of felonies for filming the #ShutItDown pipeline protest in North Dakota. Deia is currently directing the docuseries BOOTSTRAPS, which follows eleven households for two and a half years while each individual receives a basic income as part of a groundbreaking UBI experiment. Deia’s directorial debut, THE STORY OF PLASTIC (Mill Valley/Discovery) won an Emmy for Outstanding Writing in a Documentary in 2021. Previously, Deia produced Josh Fox's climate change film, HOW TO LET GO OF THE WORLD... (2016, Sundance/HBO), and co-produced AWAKE, A DREAM FROM STANDING ROCK (2017, Tribeca/Netflix), and THE RELUCTANT RADICAL (2018, PBS, dir. Lindsey Grayzel). Deia earned an MFA in Science & Natural History Filmmaking at Montana State University in Bozeman, where she directed and produced BACKYARD, which looks at the human cost of fracking and won two student Emmys. She was named one of DOC NYC's 40 under 40 in 2019, and a Film Independent Fellow in 2021. Deia's background is in Earth science and visual communications, as well as expeditioning, having been awarded a 2009 National Geographic Adventurer of the Year award for a two-year, 7800-mile through-hike of the Andes Mountains.