Big Men

Big Men, directed by Rachel Boynton, is a documentary film that delves into the world of oil exploration and production in Africa, focusing on the American corporate interests that fuel this industry. The documentary is a product of Boynton's comprehensive access to the inner workings of major oil companies, offering an unfiltered look at the impact of corporate ambition, corruption, and greed on local communities and the environment. At the heart of the film is the story of Kosmos Energy, a US-based oil company that sets its sights on the West African country of Ghana. Established in 2007, Kosmos Energy was relatively new to the industry, but its executives were ambitious and determined to establish themselves as major players. The company's focus on Ghana was centered around discovering oil in the country's territorial waters, specifically in the offshore Jubilee field. This region was of immense strategic importance due to its vast reserves and relatively low exploration costs. The film follows the Kosmos Energy team, led by CEO Brian Maxted, as they embark on their Ghanaian adventure. The team faces a variety of challenges, including navigating the complexities of local laws and customs, as well as dealing with the machinations of rival oil companies. Despite the obstacles, Kosmos Energy perseveres, investing significant resources and time in its Ghanaian operations. However, the film also highlights the darker side of African oil exploration, particularly in regions like the Niger River Delta. Here, oil companies have been accused of perpetuating corruption, human rights abuses, and environmental degradation. The local population has long been subjected to poverty, displacement, and violence, largely as a result of oil-related activities. The film shines a light on these injustices, emphasizing that the pursuit of oil wealth often comes at a terrible human cost. One of the most compelling aspects of Big Men is its portrayal of the personal toll that oil exploration takes on those involved. Maxted and his team are depicted as driven individuals, willing to push boundaries and face numerous challenges in pursuit of success. Their dedication to their work is admirable, but also reveals a sense of single-mindedness that sometimes blurs the lines between ambition and greed. Boynton's access to the inner workings of Kosmos Energy is a testament to her tenacity as a journalist and documentarian. She captures the tension between the company's stated goals of social responsibility and its often contradictory actions. The film reveals how seemingly innocuous decisions can have far-reaching consequences for local communities and the environment. Throughout Big Men, the viewer is constantly reminded of the devastating impact of oil-related activities on African societies. The Niger Delta is one such example, where oil companies, including Shell, have been accused of causing irreversible damage to the environment and human communities. The region's history serves as a stark warning of the disastrous consequences that can result from unchecked corporate ambition and greed. Despite its often bleak outlook, Big Men also offers a glimmer of hope. Kosmos Energy's success in Ghana, coupled with its growing commitment to corporate social responsibility, suggests that there is a way forward. The company's investment in Ghana's offshore fields has generated significant revenue, enabling the government to improve living standards for its people. Ultimately, Big Men raises important questions about the true cost of oil exploration and production. As the world becomes increasingly reliant on crude oil, the documentary sheds light on the devastating impact of these activities on African societies. The film serves as a warning, urging viewers to consider the long-term consequences of corporate interests that prioritize profit over people and the environment. Big Men's critique of corporate culture is biting, and its portrayal of the personal toll levied on those involved in oil exploration is equally compelling. The documentary is a testament to Boynton's journalistic prowess, offering an unflinching look at a complex and often obscured world. Through its thought-provoking narrative, Big Men challenges viewers to reevaluate the true meaning of progress and the high cost of Africa's resource curse.