Tar Wars offers a critical inside look at how leading image-makers negotiate escalating tensions between continuous economic growth mandated by a globalized economic system and its unsustainable environmental costs. As place branding assumes paramount importance in an increasingly global, visual, and ecologically conscious society, an international battle unfolds over Alberta's bituminous sands. This battle pits independent documentary filmmakers against professional communicators employed by government and the oil industry. Tar Wars engages scholars and students in communications, film, environmental studies, social psychology, PR, media and cultural studies, and petrocultures. This book also speaks to decision makers, activists, and citizens exploring intersections of energy, environment, culture, politics, economy, media and power.

About the Author
Geo Takach, PhD is a writer, filmmaker, workshop leader, and speaker. He is Associate Professor of Communication and Culture at Royal Roads University in Victoria, BC.

Reviews
"Alberta for generations was famous for mountains, rodeos, Mormonism, football, Ukrainian culture, meatpacking and Social Credit. Say 'Alberta' today and any focus group replies, 'oil'. That's no accident, writes Prof. Geo Takach of Royal Roads University. From the 1947 oil strike at Leduc Number One, 'resource extraction became heroic'. Alberta's very identity was intertwined with oil sands production, for better and worse. Tar Wars documents this modern cultural phenomenon... [and] ... covers all angles. ... The search is compelling and clever." -- Holly Doan Blacklock's Reporter


Awards
Winner of AAUP Book, Jacket & Journal Show, Book - Scholarly Typographic 2018 (United States).



Book Information
ISBN 9781772121407
Author Geo Takach
Format Paperback
Page Count 256
Imprint University of Alberta Press
Publisher University of Alberta Press
Weight(grams) 370g
Dimensions(mm) 229mm * 152mm * 15mm