fusion.film
Let There Be Light
Documentary · 2017
Feature documentary

Let There Be Light

Let There Be Light is a feature documentary about the most ambitious experiment on Earth: the attempt to recreate the power of the sun. In southern France, scientists from thirty-seven countries are jointly building ITER — a machine designed to prove that fusion can produce more energy than it consumes.

Against that mega-project, the film sets the mavericks — inventors and small teams chasing the same prize at a fraction of the cost — following physicists like Mark Henderson at ITER and Michel Laberge of General Fusion.

  • DirectorsMila Aung-Thwin, Van Royko
  • GenreFeature documentary
  • PremiereSXSW, Austin — March 2017
  • SubjectNuclear fusion; ITER; private fusion ventures

Why it matters

Fusion has been “thirty years away” for half a century. Let There Be Light takes that running joke seriously and humanely, asking what it costs — in time, money and hope — to keep chasing a solution that could end our dependence on fossil fuels almost overnight. For the underlying science, see our explainer on fusion energy.

Frequently asked

What is Let There Be Light about?
The global quest for nuclear fusion energy — from ITER, a reactor built by 37 nations in southern France, to maverick inventors chasing the same goal in garages and start-ups.
Who directed it?
Canadian filmmakers Mila Aung-Thwin and Van Royko.
When did it come out?
It premiered at the SXSW Film Festival in Austin in March 2017 and screened at festivals worldwide.
Is the science accurate?
The film follows real facilities and physicists, including ITER and Canada’s General Fusion. For a plain-language primer, see our fusion energy explainer.
Where can I watch it?
It has screened at festivals, cinemas and on on-demand platforms; see our Where to Watch page.