Film
Black Wave: The Legacy of the Exxon Valdez

Thursday, 6:45-9:00 p.m., Interlocken A

March 24, 1989, 7:00 a.m., Cordova, Alaska. “We’ve had the big one.”

That’s what marine biologist and fisherwoman Rikki Ott was told the day the supertanker Exxon Valdez crashed on Bligh Reef in Prince William Sound, releasing 10.8 million gallons of oil.

The worst environmental disaster in North American history, the “Black Wave” spill reached as far as 1,200 miles from the point of impact and, 20 years later, residents of the area are still getting sick from about 20,000 gallons of remaining oil. Social impacts of the disaster continue to mount. Residents and workers in the affected area struggle physically, emotionally, and financially, yet Exxon Mobil remains the most profitable corporation in world history.

This documentary, which follows Ott in her role as an activist, illustrates her ongoing efforts to hold Exxon Mobil accountable for this technological disaster. Written and produced by Robert Cornellier and Paul Carvalho, the film aims to make the world aware of the ongoing injustice experienced by residents and businesses in the spill area. The 99-minute movie, filmed in Cordova, Anchorage, Juneau, and Valdez, speaks to the social disruption and environmental damage resulting from the 1989 spill.

A panel discussion will follow the film.

Steven Picou, Panelist
University of South Alabama

Liesel Ritchie, Panelist
University of Colorado Natural Hazards Center

Duane Gill, Panelist
Oklahoma State University