February 2011: 20 000 people demonstrate in southern France against the shale gas licenses that have been issued in backroom deals, Meanwhile the European Parliament begins its first inquiry on the subject, From the outset, there is a split between the conservative representatives, swayed by the economic arguments in favor of fracking, and opponents invoking the precautionary principle. In areas affected by the permits, people are getting organized, building their knowledge, and taking action. Local mayors step up, issue local bylaws and relay information about the situation up to the national government. This grassroots movement makes it all the way to European-level institutions.
Marizette, Christiane, Pierre, Léon, and José… are some of the people, funny and moving, united together in a merciless struggle to save their land. A determined and joyful fight, but one that is also very trying and dangerous.
Faced with the increasing commodification of human activity, citizens are getting involved. Artists, teachers, researchers and intellectuals are opposing the social rethinking imagined by the MEDEF and applied by the liberal power. Through a year of debates and actions, they are trying to raise collective and citizen awareness, by recalling the very foundations of our society that once gave birth to Human Rights. The ambition of this film is to give an understanding of this turning point in society, based on the voices raised in the struggle and to question the alternatives made possible by the social movement.
