Product Details

• Format: Color
• Region: Region 1 (U.S. and Canada only. Read more about DVD formats.)
  
• Number of discs: 1.0
• Rating: Unrated
• Studio: Community Service, Inc
• Run Time: 53.0 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• ASIN: 0910420327
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #21,788 in Movies & TV (See Bestsellers in Movies & TV)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

"This is the story of how "Cuba transitioned from large, fossil fuel intensive farming to small, less energy-intensive organic organic farms and urban gardens.."

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

29 of 31 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Perhaps a useful blueprint for others in the future..., August 13, 2007

By	Robin G. Sowton "rsowton" (Plano, TX) - See all my reviews

When the Soviet Union collapsed in 1990, Cuba became the first country faced with the peak oil crisis. Suddenly a supply of 13 million tons of oil a year dropped to 1 million. The change was seen almost immediately-within weeks. There were power outages, no air conditioning, and no elevators running. People would try to get to work with whatever transportation was available only to discover that there was no electricity at their jobs. The Cuban government had to import 2 million bicycles for transportation. Even construction was very limited because cement production requires high levels of fuel.

However, the biggest and most immediate problem became food scarcity. There was no fuel to transfer food and no electricity to refrigerate it, and the massive use of oil-based fossil fuel for pesticides and farm machinery had disappeared. Within the first few years of this crisis, these constraints, coupled with the continued U.S. blockade on food, resulted with most Cubans losing an average of 20 lbs per person.

With hunger spreading, people were left with no other choice and resorted to growing food wherever they could, and this led to widespread urban gardening. Famine was prevented by converting every open space in the city into gardening. Because they could no longer get access to oil-based pesticides, farmers had to resort to growing food organically.

Farmers also began the practice of crop-mixing to reduce pests, and scientists began making and exporting bio-pesticides. Changes resulted in smaller farms and more privately-owned cooperatives. Decision making became localized with fewer state regulations. Even schools became more decentralized.

Despite the many problems that Cuba continues to face, the Cubans have managed to find a way to use less energy. Today, the average Cuban uses 1/8 the energy of the average American.

Whether you view peak oil as real and inevitable, or as just a `market creation,' I think that you will still find this film interesting and insightful--and perhaps, inspiring.

12 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fascinating, Educational and Empowering., June 29, 2007

By	Rejoice! "Aloha" (Maui) - See all my reviews

This incredible documentary proves necessity is the mother of invention. Cuba now boasts 90% organic farming, and has myriad solutions to deal with the paucity of oil. This movie is fascinating, educational and empowering. After viewing this documentary I no longer fear Peak Oil.
Bonus: the music is great.

11 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Eliminating Oil Dependency, March 8, 2007

By	Mary Nelson (Chicago, IL USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

We need hope that we can have oil independence and have a sustainable world. A crisis of lack of oil pushed Cuba as a nation to do just that. This video succinctly shares the community wide action that eliminated oil dependency. It took some time and a lot of effort, but it is a hopeful example that oil independence can happen, even here in America. Good video to share with classes, groups, etc.