On the Fenceline

Philly Thrive is a community organisation fighting for environmental justice. Their Right to Thrive campaign launched in 2020, after an explosion at an oil refinery further endangered local residents, exposing them to dangerous air pollutants.

We follow three members of Philly Thrive, Sonya, Carol and Rodney, each who have their own relationship and grievances with the environmental harm caused by the refinery, experiencing or witnessing afflictions ranging from asthma to COPD and cancer. The now defunct land of the refinery has recently been put up for sale, presenting an opportunity for them to unite and shut down its operations for good.

On the fenceline is a rousing documentary documenting the resilience and collective action of a community living through a pollution crisis. The film captures a moment that is determined to not stop until liveable, safe area is achieved for all.