4. Josh Fox (Gasland, Gasland Part II)
Basic science tells us that water extinguishes fire. The laws of physics and chemistry explain that there are no flammable properties in water and that you should not be able to light it on fire. In Josh Fox's 2010 documentary Gasland, he shows us that in some parts of America not only can you light your water on fire but it may also kill you if you drink it. Josh Fox has been active in the film community since he graduated from Columbia University in 1995. He founded and operates the International WOW Company which is an independent theater and film production company that has produced several films and plays in over 8 different countries. His first feature film, Memorial Day, premiered in 2008 at the CineVegas Film Festival. Gasland was his first feature documentary that debuted at the Sundance Film Festival and won the Special Jury Prize.The film uncovers the negative impact on the environment when a process known as hydraulic fracturing is used to mine natural gas from underground shale. Communities around the United States are affected by the drilling stations that contaminate the water supply and have posed as an ecological threat to the many people and wildlife that live nearby. Gasland was nominated for Best Documentary Feature at the 2011 Academy Awards and Fox won the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Directing in a Documentary for it's airing on HBO. Fox continues to advocate against mining for natural gas and was even arrested when he attempted to film a United States Representatives subcommittee hearing on hydraulic fracturing in 2012. Gasland Part II debuted this past April at the Tribeca Film Festival and is set to air July 8th on HBO.