Fracknation Documentary Filmmaker Phelim Mcaleer in Boulder to Challenge Anti-Fracking Documentary
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FrackNation Documentary Filmmaker Phelim McAleer in Boulder to Challenge Anti-Fracking Documentary Boulder, CO (May 23, 2013) – Boulder was the epicenter of the Fracking wars on Wednesday evening as two rival documentaries on the subject were screened the same night. Colorado Women’s Alliance, Americans for Prosperity, Liberty on the Rocks and other local groups hosted a free screening of the controversial “pro-fracking” documentary FrackNation at the Boulder Marriott on Wednesday, May 23 from 6:30-9:00 PM. Producer Phelim McAleer was on hand for a Q&A following the free screening. FrackNation was written and directed by Irish journalist Phelim McAleer. It presents an alternative view to the documentary Gasland, written and directed by filmmaker Josh Foxx. Foxx was in Boulder for a screening of GasLand 2, the sequel to the HBO documentary that kicked of much of the anti-fracking movement. “When word got out that Josh Foxx was going to be in Boulder, members of the local community invited me to come out and host a screening of FrackNation,” said Phelim McAleer, writer and director of FrackNation. “Foxx's previous film, the first Gasland, has been heavily criticized with claims that he has misrepresented and exaggerated the risks of Fracking and spread alarmism and scare stories.” “Many in Colorado were concerned that there should be an alternative point of view on hydraulic fracturing, and screening FrackNation on the same night as Gasland 2 just made sense,” said Debbie Brown, executive director of Colorado Women’s Alliance. McAleer said he was delighted to bring FrackNation to Boulder. "I think FrackNation's journalism stands up against the scare stories of Gasland 2," said McAleer. "Now the people of Boulder will be able to make up their own minds," he added. FrackNation, which debunks many of the major scares of the anti-fracking movement, has been praised by the New York Times as "meticulously researched and... provocative". According to Variety—the show business bible— FrackNation "makes a good case against [Gasland]" and "debunks the famous Gasland scene of a fracking 'victim' setting his tap water on fire." FrackNation was funded through the crowd funding website Kickstarter with 3,305 backers donating $212,265. Gasland 2 received corporate funding from HBO, the cable TV channel. ### About the Colorado Women’s Alliance Colorado Women’s Alliance supports research, education, and advocacy in areas of concern to women voters. The organization views the common concerns among all women as providing high-quality education to all children, protecting seniors, creating economic vitality, preserving safety and quality of life, and providing affordable health care. In addition to creating alliances and coalitions among women, Colorado Women’s Alliance will promote and educate women on issues and candidates, and conduct ongoing research on the values and concerns of women. About FrackNation In FrackNation, journalist Phelim McAleer faces threats, cops and bogus lawsuits questioning green extremists for the truth about fracking. McAleer uncovers fracking facts suppressed by environmental activists, and he talks with rural Americans whose livelihoods are at risk if fracking is banned. FrackNation, which debunks many of the major scares of the anti-fracking movement, has been praised by the New York Times as "meticulously researched and ... provocative". According to Variety—the show business bible—FrackNation "makes a good case against [Gasland]" and "debunks the famous Gasland scene of a fracking 'victim' setting his tap water on fire." FrackNation was funded through the crowd funding website Kickstarter with 3,305 backers donating $212,265. Gasland 2 received corporate funding from HBO, the cable TV channel. All funds from oil and gas companies or their executives were explicitly rejected. .