PUMP chronicles our dependence on oil, and how ethanol can help break it

It is currently minus-1 degree in Minneapolis, Minn. Head about 200 miles north to Bemidji and it’s minus-6. Travel to corn country in southern Minnesota and it’s minus-8.

In other words, it’s really cold in the Land of 10,000 (frozen) Lakes today. If you spend more than a few minutes outside, you will no longer be able to feel your face. Or your fingers. Or your toes.

Minnesotans are winter weather diehards, but it’s a Tuesday. Odds are, most of us will come home from work tonight and bundle up indoors. In other words, it’s the perfect night for a movie.

Instead of watching the same old big budget Hollywood action flick or cheesy romantic comedy, why not try something different?

PUMP — a film that illuminates the dangers of America’s dependence on oil and advocates for opening our fuels market to homegrown alternatives like ethanol made from corn — was released to rent or own on iTunes today.

Jason Bateman (known for his starring roles in Arrested Development, Juno and Horrible Bosses) narrates the film and guides the viewer through a troubling journey of how America ended up with the oil monopoly we have today.

But the film isn’t all doom and gloom. It also offers solutions. Filmmakers Joshual Tickell and Rebecca Harrell Tickell go into great detail showing how everyday Americans, regardless of where they stand politically, fiscally, or environmentally, benefit from having choices at the pump through alternative fuels like ethanol.

It’s enlightening, entertaining and empowering. And you won’t freeze off any body parts watching it from the comfort of your own (warm) living room.

Check out PUMP today. You can read more about the film and rent or buy it here.