Atomic Hope – Film Review
by Frank L

Written and directed by Frankie Fenton
Stars – Madison Czerwinski, Ben Heard, Moto-Yasu Kinoshita

The sub-title of this documentary is “Inside the pro-nuclear movement”. It describes accurately the relatively small group of individuals who make the case that the energy crisis cannot be solved without taking into the mix nuclear energy. While it accepts that solar energy and wind power may have a place in any future energy mix, they cannot on their own fill the void that will be created when fossil fuels are entirely phased out. The weather is not a constant. There are times when the sun does not shine and the wind does not blow. Nuclear energy, however, is a constant.

This documentary in seven chapters seeks to place nuclear energy as the solution to humanity’s need for energy. It follows a small group of activists over several years who make that case. In the public realm, the atomic bombing in 1945 of Hiroshima and Nagasaki and the nuclear meltdowns at Chornobyl in 1986 and Fukushima in 2011 have drowned out the debate.  More often than not the mere presence of the group outside climate change conferences is met with contempt or even hostility.

The documentary has interviews with various scientists and activists who are spokespersons for the group. They are passionate and put forward a reasoned argument. They do not appear to be involved in stunts so they do not attract much publicity. They appear to rely on the strength of their arguments.

The phasing out of the use of fossil fuels is the greatest challenge which humankind faces. This documentary makes the case that the solution lies within the nuclear industry. It is a proposition which should be listened to and assessed. This documentary makes that case eloquently.