Jane Fonda: CA vs. Big Oil - Senate Bill 1137

Commissioned by the Jane Fonda Climate PAC in partnership with Christie’s and Gagosian, this short film helped anchor a bold, statewide campaign to defend California’s frontline communities from neighborhood oil drilling. At its core was SB1137—a landmark environmental justice law nearly overturned by Big Oil through a $60 million referendum effort.

Filmed across Los Angeles and New York, the piece interweaves the voices of scientists, youth leaders, and cultural icons including Jane Fonda, Nalleli Cobo, and Governor Gavin Newsom to tell a story of grassroots power and political urgency.

The campaign raised over $18 million in philanthropic support. Within weeks of the film’s release and accompanying media rollout, Big Oil withdrew its referendum—delivering a decisive victory for environmental health, civic activism, and community-driven storytelling.

Director & Producer: Caroline Maxwell
Cinematographer: Jonathan Chekroune
Assistant Camera: Andreas Roalsvig
Producer Coordinator: Zach Larus
Production Assistant: Jared Gauthier-Snipe
Sound Recordist: William Pawlowski
Editor: Abe Halpert

2024