July 26, 2024

Liveable Arlington will premiere a short organizational film by award-winning Dallas filmmaker and cinematographer Michael Rowley on Saturday.

The screening will be held on July 27 at 4 p.m. at the University of Texas at Arlington's Chemistry and Physics Building, Rm CPB 303B, 700 Planetarium Place in Arlington.

The 12-minute mini-documentary features the origins of fracking in Arlington and the 10-year history and campaigns of Liveable Arlington to protect residents from fracking expansion. With dramatic drone views of frack-sites amidst residential neighborhoods, the film poses questions about the physical and environmental dangers of urban fracking and those who have long advocated to stop it.

“The event’s aim is to highlight the negative impact of fracking on Arlington residents, the origins and development of the grassroots organization Liveable Arlington, and our ongoing community mobilizing against proposed new gas well permits, and the City Council’s lack of concern for its own constituents,” says Ranjana Bhandari, Executive Director of Liveable Arlington. “We will also screen a french mini-documentary about fracking for export markets shot by a French TV network featuring Liveable’s involvement in Arlington and the Gulf Coast.”

The screening will be followed by a conversation with filmmaker Michael Rowley and information about upcoming gas well permits and Liveable’s plans to mobilize opposition.

“I was shocked at the realities of urban drilling in Arlington,” says filmmaker Michael Rowley. “Seeing these massive drill sites, essentially in the backyards of folks, was disturbing. By the end of the first day of shooting, I had a metallic taste in my mouth - so it leaves me wondering how people can live 24/7 in such close proximity. It’s hard to believe that the city allows for these sites in the middle of settled areas. They’re near daycares, middle schools — essentially everywhere you turn. I hope this film brings some much needed attention to this issue while simultaneously lifting up Liveable Arlington and their steadfast work to fight for the future of Arlington residents and our global climate — especially when it appears that those in Arlington City Hall aren’t willing to do so.”

The film will be available to view on Liveable Arlington’s website on Saturday at 6 p.m., following the premiere.

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