The Oil Machine

Join us for an Exclusive Evening of Insightful Discussion and High-Level Networking

The dramatic resignation of Scotland's First Minister, following the dissolution of the Bute House agreement and the controversy over abandoning key climate commitments, underscores the profound impact of climate policy on political stability. As Sir David King, former UK Chief Scientific Advisor, cautions in the film THE OIL MACHINE, "what we do in the next five years will determine the future of humanity for the next millennium." This urgent call to action echoes louder amid current political upheavals and sets the stage for our panel discussion on the pressing question 'How Will Scotland Deal with The Oil Machine?'. Our experts will explore Scotland's urgent need for effective strategies to counter emissions and discuss how today's policy decisions shape tomorrow's reality.

Celebrate with us the remarkable journey of THE OIL MACHINE, an award-winning Scottish documentary that has ignited crucial conversations globally. Over the last 18 months, this film has not only examined Scotland's complex relationship with North Sea oil and gas but has also spearheaded a successful impact campaign, resonating across the UK and beyond. Independently produced and co-funded by BBC Scotland and Screen Scotland, this critically acclaimed documentary has catalysed discussions at over 200 events in the UK and has been showcased in 14 other countries worldwide, including a special speaker tour across the USA and Norway.

THE OIL MACHINE, directed by Emma Davie, uniquely brings together diverse voices — from oil executives to financiers to climate activists — creating a multi-stakeholder narrative. It's more than a film; it's a catalyst for critical dialogue between different interest groups.

Your Exclusive Invitation

We are honoured to extend this invitation to Members of the Scottish Parliament, policymakers, Just Transition advocates, notable representatives in the energy sector, and key figures in the film industry. The event celebrates critical discussions on energy as well as the impactful role of film in driving change. Experience a curated selection of THE OIL MACHINE clips, engage in a high-impact panel discussion, and network with film contributors and fellow leaders.

Programme Highlights

• 7:00pm:   Reception with drinks and light bites.
• 7:30pm:   Engaging programme featuring key voices from THE OIL MACHINE, interspersed with selected clips from the film. Our guest speakers include:
  • Prof. Kevin Anderson, Former oil engineer, now Professor of Energy and Climate Change, with joint chairs at the University of Manchester, Uppsala University, and Bergen University, specialising in sustainable engineering and environmental transformation.
  • Emma Davie, Acclaimed director of THE OIL MACHINE, known for her compelling narrative style in documentary filmmaking.
  • Dr. Ewan Gibbs, Historian at the University of Glasgow, focusing on energy, industry, work, and protest, providing an unique perspective on energy transitions.
  • Dylan Hamilton, Climate campaigner with a strong background in climate mobilisation and policy advocacy, and broad experience in youth parliament activities.
  • Sonja Henrici, Producer of THE OIL MACHINE, with extensive experience in film production and storytelling.
  • Ben Kempas, Producer of the film's outreach and impact campaign, skilled in bridging the gap between film and activism.
  • James Marriott, Author of Crude Britannia and Executive Producer of THE OIL MACHINE.
  • Jake Molloy, Organiser with the RMT Offshore Energy Branch, bringing firsthand insights from the frontlines of the energy sector.
  • Kaisie Rayner, (host/moderator), Founder & Director of A Future Worth Living in, described as a force of and for nature.
• 9:00pm:   Opportunities for continued informal networking.

Celebrating Our Journey

As we gather for this insightful evening, we also celebrate the culmination of our 18-month outreach and impact campaign for THE OIL MACHINE. This ambitious campaign has not only advanced the conversation around Scotland's energy future, but has also led to tangible initiatives in community engagement and policy advocacy. The campaign has played a successful role in uniting diverse groups — from local communities to industry leaders — around a shared vision for a sustainable future. With this event, we honour these achievements and use them as a springboard for new collaborative efforts towards a just energy transition in Scotland.

We look forward to welcoming you to an evening of stimulating dialogue and purposeful connections.

RSVPs for this event are now closed. We look forward to seeing you there!

Please Note: This is a private, invitation-only event. We reserve the right to cancel non-qualifying RSVPs.