Fantasia: Let There Be Light looks to create fusion

Let There Be Light

Let There Be Light is a documentary following a group of scientists building an artificial star.

Written and directed by Mila Aung-Thwin, the film was co-directed by Van Royko.

In France, scientists from 37 countries have teamed up to build an artificial star here on Earth.  Crazy, right?  If their project works, mankind will be better off with cheap and clean energy.  If It fails, they’ll be a laughing stock in the world of fusion energy.  At the same time, there are also inventors working in their garages while trying to figure out a way to get nuclear fusion.

The film profiles Mark Henderson, a plasma physicist working on the ITER project, and Michael Laberge.  Laberge was previously an ace-printer technician but following a mid-life crisis, he launched General Fusion with a goal of achieving fusion in 3-5 years.

ITER is considered to be not just a gamble but what is the most expensive scientific experiment ever.  Whether it works still remains to be seen but nearly 40 countries are investing their resources to make it happen.  Whether on the French countryside or in your garage, creating fusion is easier said than done.  They may or may not be the next Doc Brown of Back to the Future fame.

The film previously screened at the 2017 SXSW Film Festival prior to screening tonight at the Fantasia International Film Festival.

Danielle Solzman

Danielle Solzman is native of Louisville, KY, and holds a BA in Public Relations from Northern Kentucky University and a MA in Media Communications from Webster University. She roots for her beloved Kentucky Wildcats, St. Louis Cardinals, Indianapolis Colts, and Boston Celtics. Living less than a mile away from Wrigley Field in Chicago, she is an active reader (sports/entertainment/history/biographies/select fiction) and involved with the Chicago improv scene. She also sees many movies and reviews them. She has previously written for Redbird Rants, Wildcat Blue Nation, and Hidden Remote/Flicksided. From April 2016 through May 2017, her film reviews can be found on Creators.

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