Fuel (2008) User Reviews

The Education of Joshua Tickell

[cheryllynecox-1 · 7/10 · 13 July 2010]

Most of the reviews of "Fuel" rave about Josh Tickell's entertaining presentation of solutions to our global addiction to gasoline and oil. Last night's screening couldn't have been much more serendipitous for the filmmaker. I mean, let's face it, 86 days into BP's rogue well catastrophe, and it was not surprising that Florida State's Student Life auditorium was packed with a diverse group of community residents and students. It was, after all, a free screening.

"Fuel" didn't offer any solutions that haven't already been publicly addressed in a variety of ways by a number of visionaries. Relying on the filmmaker's personal journey from an undergrad thesis project that escalated into a crusade, the film came across as a tad pedestrian. Tickell's experience with alternative fuel sources as a substitute for fossil fuels is indeed impressive. It would be difficult to criticize his passion, or his mission to encourage and nurture change.

BUT, "Fuel" was entirely too precious for me to rave like the other critics. Littered with proactive celebrities like Julia Roberts, Willie Nelson, Larry David, Cheryl Crow and many others, it occurred to me that "Fuel" was way too proud of itself, and way too involved with the idea of celebrity. For someone who is presumably an activist, I wondered about all of the air miles and fuel Tickell spent courting an Irish scientist in Cork, German engineers in Europe, etc. I thought about the air miles he used to attend celebrity-filled festivals.

After I viewed "Fuel" last evening I reread Henry Adams's "The Virgin and the Dynamo" and was reminded about the consuming nature of a contemporary society that has detached itself from the Aquinas-like faith of the middle ages. Adams penned his famous chapter after attending the Paris Exhibition at the turn of the last century. The internal combustion engine (a small dynamo) was featured at the exhibit. "Fuel" devotes a segment that addresses the 1900 event, and the historical context Tickell offers is particularly compelling. The Louisiana information was also edifying.

While "Fuel" had many successful segments, it could be edited and condensed into a more meaningful film that does not require nearly two hours of air conditioned airtime. It reminded me too much of one of those Sally Struther's "Feed the Children" TV campaigns.

Inspiring but Bias.

[meddlecore · 6/10 · 30 January 2011]

((NOTE: This documentary, while it does provide some valuable and useful information is, in fact, a corporate funded Public Relations communication- the extra features are mostly Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) advertisements. It is important to note that this film was largely funded by the corporate interests expressed within it.))

The film begins by talking about Director Josh Tickell's self-styled movement to ween America off oil and onto BioDiesel. As he moved across the country he saw that progress was being made- as corporations were being convinced to ship their goods using BioFuel- before critics like myself, put a damper on his goals.

There IS some excellent information contained in this documentary. It provides a fair criticism of "global oil based culture" and why staying on such a road is a dangerous and destructive path. I particularly valued one point that Tickell makes. I was previously unaware that Prohibition came to fruition in the 1920's- pushed through by oil magnate John D Rockefeller (in kahootz with Henry Ford)- as a way to stifle the increasing popularity of the first Diesel Engine which was made to run on a combination of BioMass and Grain Alcohol!!! Ford & Standard Oil wouldn't be where they are today if they didn't sketchily gain such a competitive advantage.

The BEST part of this documentary is that it helps educate the public on the LIES spread by the oil industry, concerning the need to do expensive and complicated conversions on your Diesel Engine to make it run on BioDiesel. This just plain and simply isn't the case. BioDiesel CAN BE USED IN ANY QUALITY DIESEL ENGINE!!!

What must be considered though, is that we no longer produce enough food to feed the world, thus to focus food production for energy purposes instead of food purposes is only going to make things in the world a whole lot worse. why you ask? Western countries are already responsible for destabilizing sustainable agricultural practices in industrializing and third world countries, encouraging them to produce cash crops and then forcing overproduced and subsidized western food onto them as "aid". Such a movement, as described in this film, would only increase hunger poverty and famine and lead to further instability in the world- catalyzing the extinction of humanity.

A second issue that comes from a shift to BioFuel concerns the use of GM crops in the production of BioMass and Alcohol. If we were to grow crops for energy/fuel EVERYONE will want to grow them. North America will turn into a big monoculture farm growing Monsanto GM corn and soy and canola and all their other Frankenfoods. If you aren't familiar with Monsanto's plan to control all agriculture seeds and chemical pesticides, you seriously need to educate yourself on the topic, as there is very few more disturbing things going on in the world than what Monsanto is doing.

The film briefly addresses the first of these concerns, but remains largely silent on the second.

What Tickell does, is promote the idea of returning to a local agricultural based society, in which new technologies and good living practices are utilized to bring in what one interviewee calls, "The Second American Revolution" and a return to a sustainable lifestyle. Whereas he fails to address criticisms about the use of GM crops, he does offer non-GM alternatives, such as using the quick growing, regenerative, hybridized MegaFlora Tree as a source of BioMass.

If this is to be the next step....we are going to have to smote- and erase all traces of- Monsanto, BP, Shell, Exxon, Dupont... and companies like them... from the earth.

Tickell concludes the film by telling us it is OUR responsibility, suggesting you write your congressman/senator and such. I have no faith in the corrupt system in which politicians operate and would, thus, rather suggest you use your CONSUMER POWER- ethically choosing where you spend your money...every single penny.

When i first started watching this documentary I was quite critical of it. But when all was all said and done, I found that, while it failed to adequately address the depth of some concerns, it offered an inspirational glimpse at one of the possible next steps we could be taking to ween ourselves off of our dependence on oil.

If you are looking to learn about the history of the oil industry, diesel technology and the world's current energy woes, then this documentary is a decent, though incomplete, introduction. 6 out of 10.

Tackles some tough issues with optimism, hope and exciting information.

[david-2829 · 7/10 · 5 February 2011]

Fuel is entertaining and informative although it tends to wander and be a little broad on its focus. It does, however, end up being an important call to arms for a number of environmental issues, with "homebase" established upon America's ridiculous dependence on foreign oil.

I believe one of the most powerful aspects of this movie is the awareness that what's "out there" is truly sufficient for the energy needs of the world - it's only a question of how to make it reality. From the miraculous production of bio-diesel through algae, to the mega-tree possibilities to implementation of current renewable technologies... the message is clear and powerful, "We already HAVE the ability to leave fossil fuels forever behind!" I think there were too many bullet point sections and the movie branched from a targeted story about the history of bio-diesel into overall environmental issues. It would've been improved with more structure and focus.

As far as the information in the movie... definitely should be an interest and concern to citizens everywhere. I was surprised by the rise & take-down of bio-diesel, but am excited for its new future and the future of our energy technologies. It is a movie that ends with a lot of hope, and I appreciated that welcome optimism.

Do yourself a favor and watch this film!

[maryariadne · 10/10 · 16 October 2008]

EVERYONE NEEDS TO SEE THIS FILM. Coming from the perspective of someone who knows very little U.S. energy consumption or the politics surrounding it, I found the film extremely accessible, clear, and captivating. It enlightened me on the big picture (which until seeing this film seemed overwhelming and unapproachable), gave me a sense of hope, and empowered me as the average citizen with simple things I can do to be a part of the solution. I was touched and inspired by FUEL and came away with a whole new outlook on the world and life itself!

Synopsis (from the FUEL website): Most Americans know we've got a problem: an addiction to oil that taxes the environment, entangles us in costly foreign policies, and threatens the nation's long-term stability. But few are informed or empowered enough to do much about it. Enter Josh Tickell, an expert young activist who, driven by his own emotionally charged motives, shuttles us on a revelatory, whirlwind journey to unravel this addiction — from its historical origins to political constructs that support it, to alternatives available now and the steps we can take to change things. Tickell tracks the rising domination of the petrochemical industry — from Rockefeller's strategy to halt ethanol use in Ford's first cars to the mysterious death of Rudolph Diesel at the height of his engine's popularization, to our government's choice to declare war after 9/11, rather than wean the country from fossil fuel. Never minimizing the complexities of ending oil dependence, Tickell uncovers a hopeful reality pointing toward a decentralized, sustainable energy infrastructure. Sweeping and exhilarating, Tickell's passionate film goes beyond great storytelling; it rings out like a bell that stirs consciousness and makes individual action suddenly seem consequential.

An entertaining and informative environmental movie with REAL solutions!

[lerner-12 · 9/10 · 16 October 2008]

FUEL is a great movie for everyone who wants to do something about our environmental crisis but doesn't know where to begin. It is the most comprehensive movie I've seen that details how we got to where we are today in regards to how badly America is addicted to oil and how we can break the addiction. It is just packed with information! The one criticism most people have with environmental films is that they are doomsday outlooks and don't provide any solutions for what we can do. FUEL is NOT like that! It has a positive outlook and includes sooooo many different, new, and REAL solutions we can and should be working on right now in this country! FUEL is meaningful and informative and so engaging all at the same time. Everyone should see this movie to be more informed about what we should be asking for from our government in the ways of independence from oil. Go see this film and help change the world!

Important and moving documentary about America's dependence on foreign oil!

[abby_gwen · 10/10 · 16 October 2008]

This film is amazing, beautiful and important. I believe it's this year's Inconvenient Truth but human and moving as it is Josh Tickell's personal story and currently his life mission. Everyone needs to see this film. It's is so inspiring! I am going to trade in my car for one that runs on bio-diesel because that is something I can do to cause change in this crucial area of the economy, foreign policy, the future of this planet! This film is so motivating that you are going to want to tell everyone you know to see this film and it's so timely considering the election and the current state of affairs. I usually find documentaries the cure for insomnia however FUEL is engaging and entertaining and makes you get off your butt and do something that makes a difference for our world!

smell test

[irina-bates · 3/10 · 6 August 2010]

Doesn't pass the smell test. To call this 112 minutes commercial / infomercial for biodiesel naive is beyond the point. Time and again the filmmaker hops in and out of the picture to share his enthusiasm for his truck running on used cooking oil. The solution for the energy crisis we are facing? Biodiesel is served up as the ultimate solution for about the first hour of the film: clean fuel (!!!) that will solve the crisis without us having to even change our cars, let alone our driving habits. Anyhow, halfway into the film (and into the production of this film it seems) the news on the catastrophic side effects of farming large areas of our planet for the production of fuel instead of food hits the newsstands, and the film tries a u-turn without making a u-turn. In vain. The only sane parts of the film are devoted to trashing our oil-based economy, hardly big news to anybody taking the slightest interest. The need for the development of alternative energy sources is mentioned (wind, solar) in passing, but for the most parts the truck running on cooking oil and it's driver stay at the center. In a country where politician can still shout slogans like "drill baby drill" without having a legal guardian assigned, this film may look like an improvement to the ongoing discourse. It is not. In pretty much of all of the industrialized western world this "documentary" does not even pass the giggle test. Somewhere halfway in the film, a group of kids is served a jar of biodiesel versus a jar with regular fuel and then asked which one smells better. Do I need to give away what the children prefer?

I'm absolutely sold

[kenmora · 10/10 · 16 April 2008]

This was the only film to inspire a standing ovation, to a packed screening, at the 2008 Beverly Hills International Film Festival.

As a Hybrid owner I'm amazed that more manufacturers don't make alternative fuel cars. When this film illustrated the argument for Soy, Cane, and Algea based diesels fuels I determined right then and there my family's next car would run on bio-diesel.

The film is funny, entertaining, very informative, and while it shows the dark side of how we got to our present state of petroleum dependence, it doesn't wallow in the negative, but instead cheers us on to seek fuel alternative that are already here, right now.

For instance, I had no idea that any diesel engine could run on bio-diesel without any adaptation! Also, the amazing advances in Algea based bio-fuels can also produce plastics with a fraction of the environmental impact.

If you see no other environmental documentary, you must see this one! I doesn't lament, it shows us the way.

Commercial paid for by biofuel industry

[jim_coombes · 4/10 · 31 January 2008]

This film does a good job of discussing the health and security risks of our oil dependence.

However, environmentalists and economists are increasingly opposed to biofuels for various reasons.

This film makes little mention of the downsides and risks of biofuels.

The film slams oil companies for funding pro-oil propaganda, but a quick look at the "sponsors" page on the website reveals that this film is a paid infomercial. Many companies stand to gain from the irrational promotion of biofuels.

This film is NOT fit for educational settings. It is pure propaganda.

UPDATE: As an example of the misinformation that biodiesel proponents are spreading, another commenter on this site claims that biodiesel production does not use or destroy food. This is a flat-out lie. Use of soy - the dominant biodiesel feedstock - absolutely destroys food. There is some residual value, just as there is with corn ethanol. But using soy for biodiesel is precisely why the cost of soy has good through the roof (just like corn).

The writer claims that algae can be used for biodiesel -- but this statement is misleading. Why, for example, would the author be imploring us to plants CROPS for biodiesel if algae were truly the panacea he claims?

The reality is that - today - algae yields oil that can be used for biodiesel, but this is only done on small scale lab settings. The reason millions of $$ of VC money has gone to startups is because no one has figured out how to do this economically. No one.

Biofuels today are driving up food prices, using obscene amounts of water, and soaking up huge amounts of our tax dollars. Corn ethanol is currently the worst culprit, as it also uses huge amounts of energy inputs (natural gas).

But around the world, rainforests are being burned down to plant soy to make biodiesel. The Europeans are already well aware of this, and have passed legislation to attempt to prevent the use of plant oils from non-sustainable crops.

The only honest assessment we can make today is that the current generation of biofuels (ethanol AND biodiesel) are robbing the world of food and water, and the "next generation" of biofuels is purely experimental right now.

Its funny that there's always a "next generation" that will be here shortly and solve all of our problems. That's exactly what they said about ethanol 10 years ago, but now environmentalists are running away from it.

Field of Fuel only adds to the hysterical and profoundly UNscientific mania for biodiesel, and we will all be shaking our heads over this film in 5 years. Actually, the producers and sponsors will be desperately trying to hide their involvement in this film, as they will have moved on to the next fiscal and environmental boondoggle -- which will probably be called "algae biodiesel" or "switchgrass ethanol".

Please refer back to this comment in 2013 -- and do not let so-called "environmentalists" say that they didn't know better, or that no one warned them. Despite their claims about the "science" of global warming, this is an extremely unscientific crowd. Emotional films like this exclude the opinions of *many* scientists and environmentalists who disagree with them. They bury the debate and claim that only oil companies could oppose them.

If climate change mania causes everyone to jump on bandwagons like this, it will set us back decades in our quest for both energy security and pollution-free energy sources. There are many respectable voices warning against this deluded thinking, so no one will be able to claim that they didn't know any better.

Inspirational story, good information, fun music, and a different perspective

[jjamesguy1782 · 10/10 · 14 April 2008]

Fields of Fuel shows the world what a small percentage of us have known for several years now: Biodiesel is available, works in any diesel vehicle, is made in America, and is better for the environment than petroleum fuels. The film goes from Josh Tickell's time on a farm in Germany where he learned that diesel fuel can be made from vegetable and animal products, to his journey across America in the Veggie Van, to the widespread production of biodiesel from used fryer oil, to the present where new biodiesel is being made from algae and new food stocks.

The film answers the question on everyone's mind these days: Is biodiesel going to make food expensive and starve the poor? The answer is no. Biodiesel is made from oils, while the solids from the feed stock go on to be food for people and animals. The film does not suggest that biodiesel will supply all our food and energy needs, while pointing out the value of wind, solar, geothermal, and other clean, domestic energy sources.

Audiences have been giving the film a standing ovation at film festivals around the country. The film has won awards at Sundance and Sedona.

Inspiring

[yangchu61 · 9/10 · 21 October 2008]

Fuel weaves a web of connection between US energy/petrol policy and the environmental and foreign policies that ensue from petrol dependence. Without being preachy, the narrator spins a yarn that takes him from the happy-go-lucky days of an Australian childhood to the US where he begins to mature in his views about energy and the most effective means to make a difference.

The film is stuffed with celebrities, the obligatory genuflection to a star-struck culture that can't imagine much if Cher, Willie Nelson, or Bono aren't hyping it. This aside, probably the most important aspect of the narrator's tale is how he realized that he wasn't going to get squat done if he didn't begin to work collectively. This is the most powerful message of his film. The last third of the move details all of the energy solutions afoot right now, which can be implemented with the right pressure on Congress. It's inspiring folks.

There only seemed to be one glaring error. This has to do with his calculus regarding the use of ethanol. I would suggest everyone read Alcohol Can Be a Gas for a more intelligent discussion on ethanol. The other bone to pick is the matter of environmental racism. Americans are likely more predisposed to any card but the infamous race card. The rebound effects for his own mother, however, demonstrate that good old saying by the big J himself, "That which you do to the Least of my brothers, that's what you do onto me."

Teachers Respond to Fields of Fuel: "This film should be screened in every U.S. School!"

[gdeborahdupre · 10/10 · 26 May 2008]

If one film this year has capacity to transform today's world to one where human rights are restored, it is "Fields of Fuel." As the film highlights, returning the power, both energy and political, to the common individual is what biodiesel and the father of diesel, Rudolph Diesel were all about.

One of the best things about bio-diesel is the next generation food-free biodiesel creatively and economically produced. Non-foods such as algae, desert grass and Camelina grown where no food grows are major parts of the new, "next generation," food-free biodiesel. Keeping biodiesel but not the old way of making it with precious food source is the key. Throwing the baby out with the bath water has never been a humane solution. It seems that some groups are intent on causing the average person to think the contrary - about both biodiesel and babies. That's why "Fields of Fuel" needs to be seen by most Americans; the sooner the better for humanity. The film leaves no question about what is morally right. Not only that, it inspires and motivates with its compassionate and solution-driven demonstrations.

Without seeing "Fields of Fuel," it seems too few Westerners, the "haves," realize the rich opportunities and the justified hope that the new generation of biodiesel offers to the world's poorest of the poor. Many of the poor, such as Australian Aborigines and Ni-Vanuatu islanders, both among Earth's oldest living cultures now living in Least Developing Conditions, could benefit enormously from biodiesel produced in their communities.

We hear people complain of high fuel prices, but most of these people still go and do. Present oil prices for the poorest Peoples means they do not go or do. For such Peoples already experiencing high levels of suffering due to unemployment and associated disease, too expensive or no oil often means no transportation for services to survive.

Locally produced biodiesel can help change this scenario of the poor and the hungry to one of hope and health. As a matter of fact, thanks to the leadership of "Fields of Fuel" producer and one man in the Least Developing island nation that followed him, Vanuatu, ni-Van buses run on coconut oil. The abundance of coconuts left to rot on the beaches there are now used for biodiesel. This generated employment and income to locals that had none, plus clean air to an overpopulated town - not to mention the streets' sweet scent similar to toasted coconut candy coming from the buses.

After one "Fields of Fuel" screening, I met a small group of bio-diesel advocates that learned from and then followed in the footsteps of "Fields of Fuel" director; after which they created their own path. They now travel the world to marginalized Least Developing condition communities. They are teaching Indigenous tribal villagers to produce biodiesel so their villages have: fuel for their village tractor so they can grow their food more efficiently; fuel for their community generator for desperate needs; fuel for their village school bus so their children can learn; and fuel for emergency trips to their far-off hospital to save a life. We in "developed nation" communities would now do well learning sustainable living from these villagers.

I've been privileged to view "Fields of Fuel" several times, appreciating it more each time. The theater has usually been understandably packed, and people were standing along the side walls. Roars of laughter, clapping and cheering DURING the show, wiping of heartfelt tears upon seeing the pain and suffering that we are complicit in committing when we fill our tanks with other than biodiesel ... all typically occur during this film's screenings. Standing ovation typically occurs after the show. These are well-deserved rewards of a special young man who experienced firsthand as a boy the suffering deliberately induced by Big Oil profiteers. He vowed to offer a better choice to all of society.

The strong, favorable, audience responses to "Fields of Fuel" and this films' capacity to transform our unjust world today to one more humane are due to that young man's courageous determination to make a difference. Over twelve years, he demonstrated that focused determination to help halt suffering from petrochemical related injuries in his mother's home state, Louisiana, our great nation, America and the world. Those years of dedication and hard work are reflected in this amazing work of theater art.

Perhaps the most favorable "Fields of Fuel" response of all is one that I've heard a few times after different screenings. Each time, it was a teacher speaking this to Joshua and the audience during the Q and A, in the theater following the screening:

"This film should be screened in EVERY school in the United States!" Indeed, our nation and the world will likely be much better places for all to live when school children, their parents and teachers face and learn the truth about oil, and learn the joys of making a positive difference locally, nationally and globally. Seeing "Fields of Fuel" is empowering. It leaves the viewer knowing that this better standard of living is possible for all of humanity, the rich and the poor. It is right there at our fingertips to be harnessed, not only through biodiesel, but also whichever alternative sustainable energy sources most appropriately match each individual's and community's unique needs and resources. This is all explored in gripping edutainment of "Fields of Fuel." Congratulations to the over one hundred people that worked and are still working tirelessly to improve our world through "Fields of Fuel," especially to that special young man, one of my two great sons, Joshua Dupre' Tickell.

Lazy, Selective Research and a Focus on Self-Promotion

[grdred944 · 3/10 · 9 May 2011]

When I read the synopsis for this film I was pleased to see that someone was going to present the side of the bio-fuel crowd. Most of the 'energy' documentaries out there have focused on global doom-and-gloom, supply and demand issues without offering true alternatives beyond the usual suspects. Any mention of bio-fuels included brief mentions of ethical farming, and ethanol being energy negative. It would be helpful to see a full 100+ minutes on bio-fuels.

No chance of that happening. The film jumps from a bio of Mr. Tickell to an indictment of the oil industry, a couple minutes on cancer rates near oil facilities, an indictment of the most recent President Bush and President Reagan, praise for President Carter and of course praise for the Kennedys and another reminder that the country would have been utopia if only Bobby Kennedy hadn't been shot.

Interspersed with all this political preening is a lesson on the inventor of the diesel engine and reminders that Europe is great and the United States is hell on earth.

Mr. Tickell's attempt at promoting bio-fuels was substandard, at best, and a demonstration of how one person can be little more than a shill for the industry, at worst. His personal story is interesting and his overall belief of the damage inflicted by the oil industry is spot-on. Unfortunately, that is the only element of this film that was well presented.

He pressed all the right buttons to draw in the environmental extremist crowd (eco-celebs, all but blaming Darth Cheney for 9/11, etc...)but then failed to present his case for bio-fuels. "The Europeans do it so we should to," seems to be his mantra. Well, that and the fact that bio-fuels smells like french fries. When he credits the Prius as being the primary reason Toyota is the number one car company in the world, you can only shake your head and wonder who is feeding him so-called facts.

He presented information as if he knew his Sundance award would be a slam-dunk since he had clips of Julia Roberts and Woody Harrelson in the film. Between his selectivity in presenting conjecture as fact for both sides of his argument and his screen presence as a mascot for the biofuel industry, Mr. Tickell squandered what could have been a meaningful film on a topic that is of critical importance to everyone on the planet.

Outstanding!

[martyyura · 10/10 · 21 October 2008]

FUEL is not only superbly done, with not a break in holding my attention for its entire length, but timely, pertinent and moving as well. I found myself completely engaged in following the flow of identifying the myriad of breakdowns and conspiracies of perfidy, perpetrated on sectors of our country and our planet. FUEL spoke passionately about the damage done on several levels: individual, community, region, country, world. Personal tragedies correlated with tragedies already experienced by groups and populations, and predictably will extend into the future, affecting us in ways which are likely to exceed what's currently known. And those of us who are actually aware of what's occurring are battling the giants who are continuing in the direction they've been going all along, indisputably aware of the cost to people and the environment. But the remarkable aspect of the film is that in the face of all this you're left with an opening for action, a call to stand up and do something that will forward the healing and impact us all. Now that's the way to walk out of the theater. That's what has FUEL be a film that makes a difference.

A warm, inspiring fairy tale with a dark, corporate underbelly

[mcelhaney-d · 4/10 · 14 February 2012]

A few minutes' worth of informational carefully expanded into a warm and self-congratulating narrative of nearly two hours length, most of which concerns a truck and a whole lot of used cooking oil. The narrator dances well clear of the inconvenient truths about bio-diesel and who is backing it with the deftness of the born shill. Relatively few clichés are spared or misplaced and the usual indictment of Republican Big Oil is dutifully followed with the right amount of obeisance to Democrat Big Oil. It's inspiring to know that if only we had the right visionary leader we would be saved. Kennedy would have given utopia by now. In his revisionist history, the US had somehow consumed less oil under Kennedy, Johnson, Clinton, Carter or Obama. Ignored is the absolute bipartisanship of Big Oil's capacious pockets and the ample human capitol it commands both sides of the aisle.

Near the middle cracks start to appear and the narrator seems to be losing his nerve. He seems desperate to change direction away from bio- diesel and toward something viable, but the attempt flounders, not for lack of going in every possible direction. Evidently, well into the 11- year filming, the world's media inconveniently began to explore the genocidal and factual aspects of bio-fuels, namely: in a world fraught with starvation it makes little sense to convert massive amounts of agriculture into fuel and chemical intensive carbon production, thus starving tens of millions of *additional* brown people (in order that we can feel good about driving our truck--all over the place, for 11 years). But these nearly-emergent nasty facts don't achieve true sunlight or get to taste air. After short while, as the narrator smiles and warms our hearts, they stop struggling and sink back down. Not mentioned are the tens of thousands of people (but pretty much only just brown ones) that are dispossessed en masse to make way for vast, inedible, bio-hazardous tracts of BT corn steeped in hundreds of millions of gallons of roundup, insecticide, and liquid nitrogen (i.e. from oil refining). He drives everywhere you can think of, except not the places where you might see hundreds of thousands of starving kids or notice trillions of missing honeybees. Nor does take us where the soil has been so industrially overworked that you can't even grow BT Corn there anymore, or even ranch on it. Rather, we hear a lot about the virtues of used cooking oil, implying that if only we could build seventy our eighty fast food joints per square mile we'd be ready to go, ready to take on the corporations.

A subtle collectivist undertone pervades. Europe is nearly perfect and the US is nearly perfectly evil. Beneath the happiness and joy lurks the usual cognitively dissonant meme that we humans ourselves are the enemy and maybe some of us need to suck it up in that most ultimate way--thus all the awards no doubt. The narrator has sugar coated the intended "no human cost is high enough" corporate meme with such a rare shrewdness and warmth that Monsanto reps world-wide are probably drafting brand new pacts with the devil to see if they get a piece of that action.

For sheer entertainment value it could be worse. Admittedly, a nice fiction can be restoring. If you like warm fuzzies, celebrity shots and selection bias, but hate raw data and science nearly as much as you hate human beings ourselves (and honey bees) then this is your kind of movie. You will be happy, content, and obedient, sure in the knowledge that our future will be glorious once we vote for the right visionary leader who will team up with BP, Monsanto and Union Carbide to save all of us from BP, Monsanto and Union Carbide. Well, just a few of us in the first world will be saved, and unfortunately no bees, but that's just the necessary cost of properly loving our mother earth.

Inspirational story, good information, fun music, and a different perspective,

[jjamesguy1782 · 10/10 · 16 October 2008]

At its recent Hollywood Premiere, the film "Fuel" brought the audience to its feet in the longest standing ovation of all its many ovations that it received at every film festival - including each of the 10 screenings at Sundance Film Festival.

This film shows the world what a small percentage of us have known for several years now: Biodiesel is available, works in any diesel vehicle, is made in America, and is better for the environment than petroleum fuels. It does not stop with biodiesel but instead, presents many sustainable energy solutions available right now for individual and planetary health, security and economic prosperity.

"Fuel" goes from Josh Tickell's time on a farm in Germany where he learned that diesel fuel can be made from vegetable and animal products, to his journey across America in the Veggie Van, to the widespread production of biodiesel from used fryer oil, to the present where new biodiesel is being made from algae and new food stocks and is available from ordinary pumps at filling stations.

The film answers the question on everyone's mind these days: Is biodiesel going to make food expensive and starve the poor? The answer is no. Biodiesel is made from oils, while the solids from the feed stock go on to be food for people and animals. The film does not suggest that biodiesel will supply all our food and energy needs. We learn the value of wind, solar, geothermal, and other clean, domestic energy sources in filling the missing pieces of the puzzle that will free us from our dependence on oil.

"Fuel" the film ...a beautifully effective message

[preston-valerie · 10/10 · 16 October 2008]

Josh Tickell's film "FUEL" outlines the global illness created by disproportionally using petroleum fuel for energy. The viable alternative solutions information that we can all do today (unless apathy has gotten a grip on us (not me! I'm in a state of action)..) is absolutely exhilarating. Josh's great humanitarian gift of showing people how to lead themselves out of the gooey, polluting sludge and into a variety of life-style habits that put us in a higher state of mind and higher state of being is truly great...FUEL is a must for 2009 students from high school through all levels of college. In todays world we need a huge team of people committing to driving different fuels and looking for the many choices we all have to protect the natural environment that we all rely on. We all also need to join green community groups that communicate the latest information about applying the green knowledge. Spread the word about "FUEL" ..the people of the world really need this message

we might have a chance with several different (smart ) fixes to oil

[preston-valerie · 10/10 · 15 June 2008]

We have a chance of turning the imported oil fiasco around with algae and marginal land oil seed products to get us back to our roots of being ahead of the world in smart solutions that make sense environmentally and economically we are the agriculture powerhouse if we get to work on alternative means like wind solar non corn based fuel that will work in diesels(originally designed to run on peanut oil a biofuel) when run on petroleum are the largest polluters (in trucks ships trains tractors) and can operate on camelina oil diesel like Montana is growing (68,000 acres) yielding 120 gallons per acre (irrigation fertilizer herbicides pesticides not required) on semi arid unproductive land and have had with no problems for 5 years get with it America there is a chance

90-min commercial for the companies that financed it

[Bub007 · 1/10 · 9 February 2008]

This is a silly little film that does more damage to green initiatives and the alternative energy effort than good.

"Fields of Fuel" is light on any real understanding of facts, science, or the economic/environmental impacts of biodiesel... but it does offer several scenes of Tickell and little kids sticking their biodiesel-dipped fingers into their mouths and saying "Mmmm.. tastes like veggies!"

"Fields of Fuel" tries to manipulate emotions, fears, and pocketbooks, riding on several pseudo-socio-economic bandwagons (global warming, Hurricane Katrina, oil refinery pollution, rising gasoline prices, 9/11, Iraq war, plight of the American farmer). Why? Because the companies and agencies that funded "Fields of Fuel" themselves want more funding. How does it do it? 1) Present biodiesel as the panacea to the societal ills brought on by decades of fossil-fuel industry irresponsibility 2) Disregard the economics of scale that would be required for biodiesel to provide even a drop in the ocean of the United States' energy needs 3) Make no mention of other alternative energy sources (nuclear, solar, hydrogen) that provide more sustainable energy cycles and exponentially more scalable economics. 4) Villify large corporations, sanctify farmers, and deify small biodiesel companies and startups... as someone has to fund and benefit from this transparent schlockumentary.

But "Fields of Fuel" does artfully accomplish one thing: 1) Drag out the usual cast of cretins from the Hollywood ignorancia for their two-minute talking heads. Entertainment-only value.

From an alternative energy perspective, that's it. However, the parties with vested interests (biodiesel startups and agriculture agencies) that funded it should be happy with their feel-good, hour and a half infomercial. Just don't expect anything more.

Not to be missed!

[mcomber-2 · 10/10 · 19 April 2008]

I met the director of the film last fall. His lecture and his book inspired me to buy a diesel Jeep Liberty for myself, and another for my girlfriend. I joined the biodiesel coop and bought a Mercedes diesel for a couple thousand dollars for friends to borrow when they go on trips.

I've helped show the film at Sundance, Beverly Hills, and at numerous private showings as a volunteer. The film has become better and better as time goes on, and always gets a standing ovation. So far, the movie has been kept on a DVD instead of being printed to film so it can be updated as the biodiesel scene changes. Hundreds of people have given of their time and money to make sure the film continues to improve and continues to be shown.

It makes every one of us involved with the film proud to be a part of something that can change the world and help us out of our dependence on oil, and it makes us proud when we win awards with the film everywhere we go.

low resistance hydrogen generators

[dauner · 5/10 · 26 July 2015]

The 2008 film does not include hydrogen generators as a transition technology. Hydrogen generators with computer modulators can make existing vehicles, furnaces and power plants more efficient for the rest of their working lives. 10 or more MPG should be available to all vehicles especially those with flex -fuel design as the cheapest fuel can be used without deterioration of performance or mileage. Much less carbon emission in existing vehicles would be the benefit for the next 25 or more years. Catalytic converters get cleaned out with the hydrogen supplementation. Hydrogen should make coal plants have less of their worst emission - coal ash. Present coal ash is 4% carbon. Higher burn temps and fluidized bed combustion fueled by hydrogen should make combustion more complete. Coal plants should be able to reclaim much more of the heavy metals which have commercial value. Transition technologies are being ignored in the present conversation about environment.

See FUEL! Change your life!

[jessmkit · 10/10 · 30 October 2008]

FUEL is a film about changing our future and making our world sustainable. "Fuel" does not only mean petroleum oil - it means everything that can create energy in our world. Everyone should see this film to learn the simple ways we can change the world and how we can (today) eliminate our dependence on foreign oil, and oil in general. FUEL is positive and uplifting; I left the movie feeling inspired and energized with ideas and solutions! Josh Tickell's story is moving and personal but it applies to all of us. He takes us around the world and gives us a taste of what is going on environmentally, and talks to celebrities who are creating change. He does a good job explaining biodiesel and how it can be economically efficient and beneficial - and seriously help America grow and self-sustain. And of course the Veggie Van is awesome! Josh actually drove across the country in this Winnebago using only used vegetable oil from fast food restaurants. FUEL is a must-see movie and is coming to us at a critical time in history - see it now! It will change your life!

Everyone should see this movie

[bonlender · 9/10 · 7 March 2008]

This movie does a great job telling the story of our addiction to oil, its consequences (environmental, national security concerns) through one man's personal story. The personal aspect of it is what really keeps it interesting. It is truly inspiring.

I think that they were smart not to dwell too much on the global warming piece (been there, done that, thank you very much Al Gore), but I do think it could have touched a little more on that. The film could have gone into a little greater depth on the economic and job opportunities available to our country by moving away from oil and towards biodiesel and other energy sources.

It did a great job of laying out the ridiculous proposition of American's funding both sides of the war on terror: through tax payer dollars with our military presence to secure oil infrastructure and transportation corridors in the Middle East (to say nothing of the Iraq war), then again when we buy gasoline which sends our dollars back to some of the most oppressive regimes in the world who fund anti-American sentiments, creating people like Osama bin Laden.

I think many people will find it eye opening that there are actual real alternatives to oil. The brilliance and lasting impact of this film will be that it helps provide a vision to lead unchain us of our slavish addiction to the oil and gas industry.

I would imagine that this is the reason the oil and gas industry so hate this movie and why they don't want anyone to see it. I can't imagine the lengths through which that industry will go to try to squash this film. There Will Be Blood, of sorts.

Environmentalism for the Non-Environmentalist

[eminnm-1 · 10/10 · 30 October 2008]

This movie is presented in an incredibly fair and open manner. It takes a serious look at the effects of fuel on our economy, our environment, and our foreign policy. Regardless of ones prior feelings about environmental issues this movie will make you realize that our current reliance on petroleum is not an option. Whether it be due to the effects of fuel, or the fact there just won't be any fuel left in the near future, this realization will come.

Once this realization hits, the viewer is left searching for a solution and the movie provides it magnificently. It not only provides the options but it takes a realistic and honest look at each one of them. It addresses the negatives of classic corn-based ethanol and shows algae based based biofuel that not only has no CO2 emissions, but also reduces global CO2 levels as it grows. The movie not only talks about fuel but also talks about all of the things needed to solve our energy crisis such as public transportation and sustainable energy such as wind and solar.

I had very little interest in the environment before seeing this movie and this movie completely revolutionized my thinking. My father is right-wing religious. Before seeing this movie he believed that environmental issues are just left-wing paranoia. After seeing it he told me he strongly had to rethink his views and re-prioritize the issues he cares about and votes on.

I strongly recommend this movie to any critical thinkers regardless of their prior opinions about fuel & the environment.

"Fuel" Best Practices Can Solve Global Economic Collapse, Environmental Energy Crisis, and Security Risks - For Rich and Poor

[gdeborahdupre · 10/10 · 24 October 2008]

If one 2008 film can transform today's world to one where human and planetary health, national and global security, and human rights are restored peacefully, it's "Fuel." This film is about everyone working together to develop and use the vast array of clean, safe, sustainable energy solutions available right now.

Lesson learned in "Fuel" related to the biodiesel "food for fuel" disinformation campaign to halt biodiesel production, is that next generation food-free biodiesel, such as algae, desert grass and Camelina grown on non-agricultural land, are paramount to global sustainable energy solutions. Keeping biodiesel technology but not the old way of making it is a key to today's economic, environmental, and security issues. Throwing the baby out with the bath water has never been a humane solution. It appears that some groups are intent on causing the average person to think the contrary - about both biodiesel and babies. That's why "Fuel" needs to be seen by most Americans; the sooner the better for humanity. "Fuel" leaves no question about what is morally right. Not only that, it inspires and motivates with its compassionate, evidence-based, solution-driven demonstrations.

Without seeing "Fuel," it seems too few Westerners, the "haves," realize the rich opportunities and justified hope that next generation biodiesel offers to not only them, but also to Earth's poorest of the poor. Many of the poor, such as Australian Aborigines who are among Earth's oldest living cultures now living in Least Developing conditions, could benefit from producing and using biodiesel. We hear complaints in the U.S. of high fuel prices, but most of these people at this point in the global economic collapse, still go and do. High oil prices for the world's poorest Peoples means they do not go or do. For those already experiencing high level suffering due to unemployment and associated disease, too expensive or no oil often means no transportation for services and supplies to survive. War on the Third World need not continue for the haves to continue having.

Locally produced biodiesel can help change the inhumane scenario of the poor and hungry to one of hope and health. Thanks to leadership of "Fuel" producer and one man in Least Developing Pacific Island Nation, Vanuatu, Tony Deamer, ni-Van buses run on coconut oil. The abundance of coconuts formerly left to rot on Vanuatu beaches now supply Deamer's biodiesel station; generate employment and income to locals that had neither; and are helping restore clean air to Port Villa - not to mention that streets now have a sweet scent similar to toasted coconut candy.

After a "Fuel" screening, a small group of biodiesel advocates explained that they had learned from and then followed footsteps of "Fuel" director. They now travel the world to Least Developed condition communities teaching Indigenous tribal villagers how to produce biodiesel so their villages have: fuel for their village tractor so they can grow their food more efficiently; fuel for their community generator for desperate needs such as water; fuel for their village school bus so their children can learn; and fuel for emergency trips to their far-off hospital to save a life. We in "developed nation" communities would now do well learning sustainable living from these villagers.

During "Fuel, there were roars of laughter, clapping, cheering, and wiping of tears upon seeing pain and suffering that we are complicit in committing when we fill our tanks with oil. After "Fuel," the standing ovation was longest I've ever seen. These are well-deserved rewards of a special young man who experienced as a boy the suffering deliberately induced by Big Oil profiteers. He vowed to offer a better choice to humanity.

The strong, favorable, audience responses to "Fuel" are due to that one young man's courageous determination to make a difference. Over twelve years, he demonstrated that focused determination to help halt suffering from petrochemical related injuries in his mother's home state, Louisiana, our great nation, America and the world. Those years of dedication and hard work are reflected in this amazing work of theatrical art.

Seeing "Fuel" is empowers, leaving viewers knowing that a better standard of living is possible for all of humanity. It's right here at our fingertips. Perhaps the most favorable "Fuel" response of all was made by several teachers: "This film should be screened in EVERY school in the United States!" Congratulations to everyone that contributed to "Fuel," especially to that special young man, one of my two great sons, Joshua Dupre' Tickell.