(V.O. Fr.: RETOUR SUR TERRE)
Documentary by Pierre Lacourt
2011 / Switzerland / 92’
CINEMA RELEASE IN FRENCH-SPEAKING SWITZERLAND ON THE 30TH OF NOVEMBER, 2011
LIDF 2012, (London International Documentary Festival) COMPETITION
CINEMAMBIENTE 2012 – COMPETITION INTERNATIONALE
SUMMARY:
In a rapidly changing world, the model of Western society, largely based on the exploitation of energy resources, is put to a tough test: financial downturn, energy crisis, climate change… Obsessed by our petrol-addicted future, Pierre Lacourt puts up camp in a petrol station and drags Alain, the attendant, into his musings. They share their nocturnal conversations with various specialists: geologists, politicians, philosophers, economists… It quickly becomes evident that petrol and the uses we make of it are the driving force behind our consumer society.
But can economic growth, the creed of our global era, last for ever on a planet with limited resources.
Back to Earth steers away from alarmist pitfalls, but examines these essential issues with simplicity, based on a fun and friendly approach.
The film was made with the help of the City of Geneva – Department of cultural affairs; the Regio Films fund, the Pour-cent culturel Migros; the Ernst Göhner Foundation, the Mécénat SIG fund; the Action Intermittent fund; the Degio Distrib fund.
