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Once confined to the realm of science fiction, fusion energy emerged as a research priority in experimental physics during the postwar era and ever since then, nuclear scientists have been chasing this potential power source that’s generated by the same process that fuels the sun and other stars. Progress has been frustratingly slow, as Mila Aung-Thwin and Van Royko’s feature documentary ably demonstrates, but public awareness regarding the world’s increasing energy demands and escalating carbon emissions signals that Let There Be Light should eventually shine brightly beyond the festival circuit.

If fusion power generators were achievable, they could provide an...

“Let There Be Light” will have its world premiere this month at SXSW in Austin, Texas. Directed by Canadian filmmakers Mila Aung-Thwin (“The Vote”) and Van Royko (“Koneline,” “Monsoon”), the feature-length documentary explores fusion research and how it may help solve the global energy crisis.

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Below is the official description of the documentary, via the SXSW website.

“In the southern French countryside, a group of dedicated scientists from 37 countries around the world are collaboratively building the world’s most complex experiment: An artificial star on Earth that will provide perpetual, cheap, clean energy for all mankind. If it fails, it will be one of the biggest scientific and political blunders of all time. Meanwhile, maverick inventors in garages are also trying to unlock nuclear fusion, at a fraction of the cost.

After drawing attention to the festival’s annual Gaming Awards, organizers behind the South by Southwest Film Festival have posted the full, comprehensive lineup, revealing that the likes of Edgar Wright’s Baby Driver and Free Fire, the riotous ensemble thriller from Ben Wheatley, are among those films that will screen for critics and attendees.

Per SXSW 2017‘s website, this year’s showcase will host “84 World Premieres, 11 North American Premieres, and 6 Us Premieres. First-time filmmakers account for 51 films, continuing our tradition of unearthing the emergent talent of tomorrow.” British auteur Ben Wheatley (Kill List, Sightseers, A Field in England) is a regular of the Texas festival, and will be rubbing shoulders with other favorites including Michael Winterbottom, Nacho Vigalondo, Michael Showalter.

SXSW 2017 begins on March 10th in Austin, Texas and you can get up to speed on everything the festival has to offer down below.

Narrative Feature Competition

A Bad Idea Gone Wrong...