See the Award-Winning Film Gasland at Cinemapolis on June 12th

Gasland, the winner of this year's Sundance Special Jury Prize, will premiere on HBO on June 21st, but Ithacans can enjoy a sneak preview on Saturday, June 12th at Cinemapolis. Tickets go on sale May 21st at Cinemapolis for only two showings--1:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.

Gasland is the personal account of Pennsylvanian film producer Josh Fox who was asked to lease his land for gas drilling. He started to ask questions and soon realized the enormity of the hydraulic fracturing issue. He then embarks on a cross-country odyssey, camera in hand, uncovering a trail of secrets, lies and resultant environmental devastation. The film contains grim footage of hydrofracking in action plus some humorous moments, that is if you think it's funny to see someone light the water coming out of the tap in his kitchen. In short, Gasland provides a glimpse of the future of our region...if we don't stop this imminent invasion of unsafe drilling practices in its track.

Mr. Fox will be on hand to lead a Q&A after each showing. In addition, Shaleshock Action Alliance is organizing a "What are we, Chopped Liver?" rally on the Commons between shows from 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. The title of the rally refers to the recent decision by the DEC to subject any wells drilled in the New York City and Syracuse watersheds to site specific environmental reviews in effect greatly impeding drilling in these areas. Hence Shaleshock is asking, "What are we, chopped liver?" Our water supplies, not to mention the air we breathe, are at risk too! The rally, in conjunction with the showings of Gasland, is being staged to send a strong message to Albany that we will not accept secondary status when it comes to hydraulic fracturing hydrofracking and that whatever data caused the DEC to exempt New York and Syracuse should be considered in our region too.

Mr. Fox will speak at the rally and be joined by local activists and politicians including County Legislator Martha Robertson, State Assemblyperson Barbara Lifton, renowned biologist and activist Sandra Steingraber, Gay Nicholson of Sustainable Tompkins and others. The rally will also include musical interludes featuring a host of banjo players since Mr. Fox is himself a practitioner of that art. The tour which brings Mr. Fox and Gasland to Ithaca has been organized by Delaware Riverkeeper Network, Catskill Mountainkeeper and Earthjustice.

Please visit http://www.gaslandthemovie.com/  for more details.

Contact Ken Zeserson  at kenz@zeserson.com for more info about the June 12th showings and the "Chopped Liver" rally.