Why Big Oil is opening new frontiers | FT Film

The documentary provides a comprehensive and nuanced examination of Suriname’s oil development, effectively balancing economic optimism with environmental and social concerns. Its strength lies in the diversity of voices: government officials, industry representatives, environmental activists, and academics. This multi-perspective approach allows viewers to grasp the complexity of the decision to pursue oil extraction in a country with vast rainforests.

The argumentation is generally solid, with clear explanations of the project’s scale, the geopolitical drivers, and the potential economic benefits. The film does not shy away from the risks, including corruption, economic dependency, and environmental damage, as evidenced by the inclusion of critical voices like Hugo Jabini and Farhana Sultana. The comparison with Venezuela serves as a cautionary tale, while Guyana’s example illustrates the potential for rapid growth.

However, some aspects could be strengthened. The film tends to present TotalEnergies’ claims about low emissions and local benefits somewhat uncritically, without independent verification. The discussion of carbon credits and forest protection is interesting but could have delved deeper into the practical challenges. Additionally, the documentary’s pacing is brisk, covering many topics in 31 minutes, which may leave some viewers wanting more depth on specific issues.

Regarding sources, the film relies on interviews and on-the-ground footage, which adds authenticity. However, it does not cite specific reports or studies, limiting its scientific rigor. The title accurately reflects the content, and the film’s balanced approach is commendable. Overall, it is a valuable piece of journalism that informs without oversimplifying, though it could benefit from more critical scrutiny of corporate claims.

The title accurately reflects the content, focusing on Big Oil's expansion into new frontiers with Suriname as a case study.

8/10

The documentary provides a balanced, in-depth look at Suriname's oil development, featuring interviews with key stakeholders (government, industry, environmentalists, academics) and on-the-ground footage. It acknowledges risks and benefits, and includes diverse perspectives. However, it is produced by a news outlet with potential editorial slant, and some claims (e.g., emissions reduction) are presented without independent verification.

• 00:00Intro: One of Big Oil’s newest frontiers
• 01:09The disruption to global oil supplies
• 02:37TotalEnergies’ new shore base
• 03:34Investment in offshore oil
• 04:44The GranMorgu project
• 06:24Suriname’s vision
• 09:04Using oil money to protect the rainforest
• 12:10The choice for developing countries
• 13:25The land defender’s view
• 15:20New investments in Paramaribo
• 16:43Suriname’s recent history
• 18:07The institutional scaffolding
• 19:10Staatsolie, the state oil company
• 22:57The impact on the dolphins
• 25:04Mangroves and the climate crisis
• 27:50The view from the business world
• 29:30Outro: the risks and rewards

• FT Edit — Promotional link for FT subscription, not a source.
• FT Podcasts — Link to FT podcasts, not a direct source.

• International Energy Agency (IEA) - Oil Market Report — Provides data on global oil supply and demand, supporting the film's claims about market disruptions.

• Global Witness - Oil and Gas