The Oil Machine

Can we break our addiction? Join us for a screening of the award winning documentary THE OIL MACHINE at the Nittedal "Environment Days".

The time when we described it as “liquid gold” may be over, but our economic, historical and even emotional connection to oil is still very much intact. Oil is in everything from the products in our kitchen cupboards to our pension funds. We are deeply dependent on oil. Let’s just admit it: we’re addicts.

This urgent film examines, from a range of perspectives, an industry that has crept into every pore of our society. But this must change: this polluting machine is causing sea levels to rise irrevocably. Directors of oil companies, economists and young activists all have their say about the conflicting interests around oil. Meanwhile, drilling permits are still being issued, despite the agreements made through the Paris Climate Accords.

While the focus is on the economy of the UK and its oil fields in the North Sea, all of us—politician, industrialist and consumer alike—will think twice after seeing this film and ask ourselves how to turn the tide. And how quickly?

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.
  • Jake Molloy, Organiser with the RMT Offshore Energy Branch, bringing firsthand insights from the frontlines of the energy sector.
  • Additional speakers to be announced.
• 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.

RSVP by 2nd May

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

Can we break our addiction? Join us for a Q&A with producer Sonja Henrici and James Marriott, author of Crude Britannia and Executive Producer, of the award winning documentary THE OIL MACHINE.

Can we break our addiction? A screening of the award winning documentary THE OIL MACHINE followed by a discussion of the subject matter.

The time when we described it as “liquid gold” may be over, but our economic, historical and even emotional connection to oil is still very much intact. Oil is in everything from the products in our kitchen cupboards to our pension funds. We are deeply dependent on oil. Let’s just admit it: we’re addicts.

This urgent film examines, from a range of perspectives, an industry that has crept into every pore of our society. But this must change: this polluting machine is causing sea levels to rise irrevocably. Directors of oil companies, economists and young activists all have their say about the conflicting interests around oil. Meanwhile, drilling permits are still being issued, despite the agreements made through the Paris Climate Accords.

While the focus is on the economy of the UK and its oil fields in the North Sea, all of us—politician, industrialist and consumer alike—will think twice after seeing this film and ask ourselves how to turn the tide. And how quickly?

Can we break our addiction? Join Extinction Rebellion Glasgow at a screening of the award winning documentary THE OIL MACHINE, followed by a discussion of the film and the subject matter.

Free screening for school children. This film delves into the North Sea oil industry, exploring its environmental and economic impact.

Free admission to Under 16's

From the discovery of huge oil fields off the coast of Scotland to their mass privatisation during the Thatcher era, The Oil Machine highlights how oil became the invisible engine driving UK economic and public policy. In the wake of COP26 in Glasgow, demand for climate action has become a key societal concern and the pressure on both oil companies and the government continues to mount. Bringing together a wide range of voices, from industry executives and economists to young activists, Davie offers a visceral and thought-provoking interrogation into how this insidious machine might be dismantled.

Can we break our addiction? Screening of the award winning documentary The Oil Machine and discussion hosted by Naturvernforbundet i Fredrikstad og Hvaler (NiFH)

Can we break our addiction? A screening of the award winning documentary THE OIL MACHINE followed by a discussion of the subject matter.