Trouble In The Peace

Trouble in the Peace is a 2013 Canadian environmental documentary that brilliantly encapsulates the raw complexities of man's relationship with nature, the indelible costs of progress, and reflects on the enduring values of simple and sustainable living in the face of rapid industrialization. Directed by Julian T. Pinder and produced by Six Island Productions, this documentary is named after the Peace River Valley, a beautiful agricultural region in northern British Columbia known for its vibrant wildlife and sprawling farmlands.

The documentary is a comprehensive visual exploration of the grim consequences that the gradual industrialization of a once-pristine landscape can have on the local community, the economy, and most importantly, the environment. Without resorting to the use of exaggerated theatrics, Pinder's film tells the story of the local farmers and residents trying to cope with the changes brought about by the nascent oil and gas industry, and the threat of a new hydroelectric dam looming over their lives.

The film's central character is farmer Karl Mattson, a Peace River native who has lived off this land most of his life. Mattson finds himself and his family pitted against present social, economic, and ecological changes that threaten not just their way of life but, in a more general sense, the serenity and natural beauty of the Peace River area.

Karl is symbolic of a community grappling with its future, torn between the nostalgia for an idyllic past and the harsh realities of a rapidly encroaching present. As an artist, he isn't afraid to use his unique perspective and art to protest against what he perceives as the ruin of his beloved home. His eye-catching sculptures made of used gas masks reflect his concern about the polluted air in his immediate environment—a potent visual representation of the grim reality he wishes to create awareness about.

However, Trouble in the Peace is more than a grim examination of environmental degradation. Despite focusing on the conflicts arising due to oil and gas drilling, it resists simple determinations of blame, instead opting to explore the economic pressures and global energy demands that bring such conflicts into being. In doing so, it foregrounds the individual stories of people doomed to live in the shadow of an industry that symbolizes both progression and destruction.

The film showcases the lush cinematography of the Peace River Valley, presenting viewers with a vivid image of what remains at stake in this battle over land use. It reveals not just the human struggle but also the struggle of the landscape itself, under threat from a consuming industry. Coupled with the mesmerizing and sometimes eerie soundtrack by composer Ohad Benchetrit, the film expertly incorporates haunting visuals of the starkly beautiful Canadian landscape to create a deeply immersive cinematic experience.

Despite its deeply environmental narrative, Trouble in the Peace is just as much about the human condition, about fear and courage, despair and resilience, loss and preservation. It gives voice to those who often fall on the periphery of discussions around environmental policies and energy production—ordinary people faced with extraordinary challenges.

The film thrives because of its humanistic approach and its focus on understanding the complex relationship between rural communities and the industries that significantly affect their lives. Julian T. Pinder has managed to craft an engaging and thought-provoking narrative that paints a detailed picture of the impact on those living on the verge of monumental change.

Trouble in the Peace highlights the need for open conversation about the value and potential harm of our energy choices. The film doesn't just serve as an urgent warning about the degradation of our ecosystems, but is also a touching portrait of a community committed to standing its ground, striving to preserve its culture, traditions, and, above all, its identity.

In conclusion, Trouble in the Peace is a powerful, visually stunning documentary about the collision of past and future in a rapidly changing world, where economic growth and environmental preservation often seem at odds. It reflects on sustainability, individual accountability, and the fundamental respect for Mother Nature that is essential for our collective survival. This is a film every environmentally conscious individual should watch as the issues it raises are not confined to Peace River Valley but are global problems we all need to confront.