Oil Sands Karaoke

Who would have thought the dismal, remote, oil sands of Fort McMurray would have such an interesting story to tell?

Director Charles Wilkinson has done it again and proves his mastery at the art of filmmaking and storytelling by bringing forth a beautiful, touching, and thought-provoking story that centres around, of all things, a local karaoke competition. Wilkinson and his wife Tina Schliessler capture the intimate stories of some of the locals who live in Fort McMurray. Some work in the oil sands while others work in the town. All are extremely cognisant of the controversy of their livelihoods and all have unique and interesting stories to tell of how they wound up in this strange place in the world.

Here where you would assume to find an environmentally charged film with a firm opinion or statement, we find and a refreshing look from a new perspective, on an old topic. The film does not pass judgement, only asks you to look at the entire picture and see it in its entirety: only then can you truly understand the big picture.