In Nigeria’s Niger Delta, locals struggle with poverty, illness and wretched conditions despite living above billion-dollar oil reserves. When their calls for reform go ignored, angry residents take up arms and violently fight for justice. Featuring firsthand accounts from activists and victims, this eye-opening documentary sharply criticizes the Nigerian government, irresponsible oil companies and international media outlets.
Sweet Crude is the story of Nigeria’s Niger Delta – a story that’s never been captured in a feature-length film. Filmmaker Sandi Cioffi
Beginning with the filmmaker’s initial trip to document the building of a library in a remote village, Sweet Crude is a journey of multilayered revelation and ever-deepening questions. It’s about survival, corruption, greed and armed resistance. It’s about one place in one moment, with themes that echo many places throughout history. Sweet Crude shows the humanity behind the statistics, events and highly sensationalized media portrayal of the region. Set against a stunning backdrop of Niger Delta footage, the film gives voice to the region’s complex mix of stakeholders and invites the audience to learn the deeper story.
The issues are local and human, yet they have far-reaching political, environmental and economic implications. It’s a powder-keg situation that affects the daily lives and futures of the people who live there. Left unchecked, its consequences will be felt around the globe. Yet barely anyone outside the Delta knows what’s really happening.
Why do we care enough to make this movie? Because raising awareness just might be the tipping point it takes to head off civil war. Because the kids of the Delta deserve a future. Because what happens in Nigeria ripples through African political stability and global economic markets. Because Nigeria produces more than 10 percent of the U.S. oil supply. Ultimately, the events unfolding in the Niger Delta affect us all.
It will take a vigilant world community to advocate for nonviolent political solutions. With this independent documentary, we take a stand for a more truthful conversation, with the hope that a more educated public will hold governments and big oil accountable to peaceful and just resolution. 
In tribute to the late founder of the Black Association of Documentary Filmmakers West, St. Clair Bourne, BADWest would like to present “St. Clair Bourne’s 3rd Thursday Documentary Film Screening Series”. This event will carry on St. Clair’s original series previously known as First Mondays. St. Clair Bourne’s 3rd Thursday Documentary Film Series will continue as a traditional monthly gathering for artists actively working in film, television and theater to stimulate discussion on culture, political principles, creative techniques and the exchange of ideas that can help us all make the most powerful work possible to help create a culture of resistance in these important times.
Every ”Third Thursdays” of the month are held at Vegan Village Cafe located at 4061 W. Pico Blvd. (Just east of Crenshaw.) FREE off-street parking is available in the rear. For more info contact the BADWest info line: (213) 534-6635
We encourage attendees to support Vegan Village by trying their menu of healthy food and beverages. Vegan Village, a pillar in the community, shares our vision through promoting health and culture. Parking is free in the rear of the building.
