We're incredibly excited to share some big news: Kern Oil has been recognized as an Award Winner at multiple film festivals around the world.
What began as a documentary about Kern County's oil industry, its history, its workers, and the people whose lives are connected to it has continued to reach audiences far beyond Kern County.
The goal of Kern Oil was always simple: tell the story of our local oil industry from the perspective of the people who actually live it. We wanted audiences to hear directly from the workers, families, community leaders, and industry professionals who understand what California oil production means to this community.
Seeing that story recognized by film festivals has been an incredible honor.
Kern Oil Award Wins
According to our current festival results, Kern Oil has received awards from:
That is an amazing collection of recognition for a film that started right here in Kern County, California.
More Than an Oil Documentary
Kern Oil isn't just about drilling wells or producing energy. It's about people, land, jobs, families, history, and the future of a community that has helped power California for generations.
We knew going into this project that oil is a subject people have strong opinions about. That's exactly why we felt this documentary needed to be made.
Instead of allowing Kern County's story to be told entirely by people hundreds of miles away, we wanted the people who actually work here to have a voice. And now that voice is being heard.
Every festival selection, screening, nomination, and award helps introduce the story of Kern County to another audience.
Thank You
These awards belong to far more people than just the filmmakers. Thank you to everyone who sat down for an interview, opened a door for us, provided photographs and historical information, helped fund the documentary, attended a screening, bought a ticket, shared a post, or simply told someone about the film.
We also want to thank the film festivals and judges who have taken the time to watch and recognize Kern Oil.
We haven't won every festival we've entered — and that's part of filmmaking — but we're extremely proud of the recognition the film has received and grateful that this story continues to travel.
And we're not finished yet.
Kern Oil is more than a film.
It's a conversation about our future.
Keep Oil Local.
KernOilMovie.com