Beginning May 24th audiences around the country will have the opportunity to see one of the year’s most compelling films: the documentary An Inconvenient Truth. The film, which premiered at Sundance 2006, is a unique presentation of the science of global warming by former Vice President Al Gore, woven together with Mr. Gore’s personal history and lifelong commitment to reversing the effects of global climate change. Directed by Davis Guggenheim and Produced by Laurie David, Lawrence Bender, Scott Burns and Lesley Chillcott, An Inconvenient Truth was edited at Cut + Run/Los Angeles by Editors Dan Swietlik and Javier Alvarez, and independent editor Jay Cassidy, who saw the project as a unique opportunity to help present a message about the need for change.

“What is really frightening about the climate crisis is how it spills into areas I didn’t previously consider,” says Editor Swietlik. “If you’ve even heard of global warming, you’re probably aware of the obvious implications. But the real picture is much larger, and the consequences reach much deeper into the habitability of the planet. This movie doesn’t take the stance that it is the sole authority on the issue. Instead it gathers together all the statistics and observations, points and counterpoints, and lets the data duke it out. Watching the film, audiences are left the jury to decide what action should come next, both on the personal and the political level. Al Gore is the messenger, and a captivatingly down-to-earth one at that.”

A longtime advocate for the environment, Gore presents a wide array of facts and information in a thoughtful and compelling way throughout the film. This presentation, one Gore has given over 1,000 times around the world, was seen live by environmentalists Laurie David and Scott Burns, and is the inspiration for the film.

The production began in the middle of last year, when the crew and director Davis Guggenheim followed Al Gore as he traveled the country, including a visit to his family farm. Gore’s presentation was then filmed in a 24p HD four-camera shoot designed to be finished in the digital intermediate realm for a film distribution. Cut + Run/LA Founder/Editor Dan Swietlik, who previously collaborated with Producers David and Bender, joined the project at their invitation and began the edit process in October of 2005. Working hand-in-hand with Director Guggenheim, the editorial team united the humanity of Gore’s personal life with the science and striking imagery of Gore’s unique presentation.

“Al Gore strips his presentations of politics, laying out the facts for the audience to draw their own conclusions in a charming, funny and engaging style, and by the end has everyone on the edge of their seats, gripped by his haunting message,” says the film’s director Davis Guggenheim.

An Inconvenient Truth is not a story of despair but rather a rallying cry to protect the one earth we all share. “It is now clear that we face a deepening global climate crisis that requires us to act boldly, quickly, and wisely,” said Gore. As he says, “Our ability to live on planet earth is at stake.” He also is confident that we are capable of rising to the situation. To begin with, individuals can make personal choices that can reduce emissions.

“Al Gore wants us to look inward for the solution to this issue,” concludes Swietlik. “If our habits got us into this predicament, then there’s the first thing that needs to change. Anyone who’s willing to push us to reexamine our business-as-usual approach should be listened to closely.”

For more information on both the film and how you can make a difference, please visit the information-rich website www.climatecrisis.net.

Director: Davis Guggenheim
Producers: Laurie David, Lawrence Bender, Scott Z. Burns
Executive Producers: Jeff Skoll and Davis Guggenheim
Editors: Dan Swietlik & Javier Alvarez (Cut + Run/LA), Jay Cassidy