The documentary Gaslit (what a brilliant title!) looks at the massively destructive impacts of the oil, gas and plastics industries in Texas and Louisiana, and beyond.
Director Katy Camosy had an excellent ally in Jane Fonda (who came for the Q&A following the film!), who has long been a well-informed and vocal activist for human rights and climate injustice. Fonda openly states that she takes advantage of her celebrity status, as well as her white privilege, to bring attention to important issues, and she is a compelling advocate.
The film starts in the oil fields of Texas, travels to a number of towns along the Texas and Louisiana coasts, and continues up to the infamous “Cancer Alley” region of Louisiana. Fonda narrates these travels, explaining the origins of each industry, the growth, and widespread impacts. At each stop she introduces us to people who are fighting against these behemoths in true David and Goliath style.
We meet tireless activists who are documenting the multiple harms inflicted. Fonda talks to researchers who expose the massive amounts of pollutants churned into the air (toxic gases) and water (oil sludge, plastic pellets). She takes us to communities that have been destroyed, as well as through the massive industry expansion (one refinery is described as being 72 football fields long).
We see real examples of livelihoods being destroyed by the pollutants and industry expansion. The environmental damage translates to health impacts, and cancer is mentioned a countless number of times throughout the documentary. And the occupational hazards of working with explosive, poisonous gases take a high toll.
One recurring and infuriating point the documentary exposes is the lack – or total flouting – of regulations that would provide any protections. Additionally, we learn that these industries continue to thrive due to the overseas sales of LNG (liquid “natural” gas – the necessity of quotation marks is explained in the film). Several European countries have been roped into long-term contracts in order to keep prices down, and this in turn perpetuates the success of these industries.
The documentary makes it clear that there are ways to fight back against these behemoths, and several battles are making huge gains. You can learn more by visiting the film’s website: Gaslitdoc.com and watching the trailer here.
Directed by Katy Camosy
Gaslit is playing again on February 8 and 10
The 41st Santa Barbara International Film Festival will take place February 4-14, 2026. Official events including screenings, filmmaker Q&As, industry panels and celebrity tributes will be held throughout the city, including at the historic Arlington Theatre and the new McHurley Film Center. Passes for the 2026 Festival are on sale now at sbiff.org.
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