Synopsis

Filmmaker, Rebecca Glotfelty grapples with the questions of inheritance, land stewardship and environmental and historical preservation in this documentary, which is centered around two personal tragedies. The film reveals Glotfelty's inablity to protect her family's sacred places.

In July of 2010 an oil pipeline owned by Enbridge, burst near Glotfelty's hometown of Marshall, Michigan. It was the largest inland oil spill in Midwest history. Over 840,000 gallons of crude oil pilled into Talmadge Creek and then into the Kalamazoo River.

Located two miles downriver, Glotfelty's family farm was directly affected by the oil spill. Scenes of the farm made national news. After a nine-year absence, Glotfelty returned to access the damage.

Glotfelty skillfully weaves the story of the oil spill wtih the 2010 passing of her grandmother Flossie. Her death raises another poignant question for the family, "What will happen to her centennial farm?

RT: 24 minutes
Released: ArtPrize 2011