The 2010 Emmy Award-winning film Split Estate will be screened at the Cafe Regis in Red Lodge this Thursday, October 16, at 6pm.
The film tells the story of oil and gas drilling in Colorado and the San Juan Basin in the four corners area. The story is told through the eyes of Laura Amos of Encana, Colorado (who was the subject of a personal story on this blog); Gilbert Armenta, a fifth generation Hispanic and Native American (Cochiti) rancher living with the industry in his backyard for more than half a century in Bloomfield, New Mexico; and Chris and Steve Mobaldi, who settled in Rifle, Colorado, only to experience the drilling of 20 wells within a mile of their home, as well as an unlined disposal pit that burns and flares a few hundred feet from their front door.
Elected officials, policy makers, attorneys and other advocates are also interviewed for the film.
I live in one of the areas depicted in the film, and I have a professional job, highly dependent on the oil and gas industry….
I saw the television premier of Split Estate a few days ago. Being an industry insider, I had heard a lot of anticipation buzzing around the field about the movie, most of it negative. I wanted to see it for myself and formulate my own opinions before hearing about it from others. Let me just say I was impressed.
The filmmakers did an incredible job of visually portraying the size and scope of oil and gas production in the western US. The dramatic aerial shots showed the enormity of the operations in progress that someone on the ground cannot see.
I felt the film was quite balanced considering the press that it’s been given. I thought the scientist’s were believable and not agenda driven. The Conoco/Phillips representative was and especially good speaker both defending the industry and acknowledging that there were still issues to be solved. This movie is in stark contrast to the horribly one sided, factually incorrect and finger pointing Gas Land.
Whether you’re just beginning to get informed about this issue or you’ve been working on it for a long time, drop in Thursday night. The event is sponsored by the Carbon County Resource Council. Martha will be serving snacks and beverages. There is no admission, but a donation is requested.
Preserve the Beartooth Front 
David, I can’t be there but I sure would like to get a copy of this film. Could you ask how to get one for me? Bob Hilten
Sent from my iPad
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It’s a great documentary which shows the severe consequences of the big ‘gas rush’ and Citizens for Clean Energy and Conservation Roundtable showed the film last spring in Great Falls and opened a LOT of eyes,especially property owners who don’t have a clue about whether or not they have mineral rights, but as we know, the LANDMEN do for the US/trans-national fossil fuel extractive corporations who only care about maximum profit to benefit their board and shareholder compensation, with customers, employees and property owners dead last in concerns.