Switch: Discover the Future of Energy, an informative documentary narrated by geologist Scott Tinker, will be shown at the University of Nevada, Reno at 7 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 12.

"The documentary Switch surveys the current energy landscape, including the current boom of shale-hosted oil and gas," David Boden, professor of geosciences at Truckee Meadows Community College and faculty member of the University's Renewable Energy Department, said. "It also compellingly explores what it will take to transition (switch) from our current base of foundational fossil fuel energy resources to where renewable energy technologies, such as solar, wind and geothermal, become a significant component of our energy production and use."

Filmed from 2008 to 2011, Tinker's documentary does not suggest using one technology or energy over another. Rather, he suggests a transition from the dwindling energy that built the world to alternative, sustainable and continuous energies that will shape the future.

Information presented in Switch is based on scientifically sound investigation and based on the practical realities of the current world's energy sources. Viewers of the film will see interviews with energy experts and international government leaders and learn more about energy sites around the world, including coal, solar, oil and biofuels.

Switch has received high accolades from several film festivals, including the Colorado Environmental Film Festival and the 34th International Geology Congress, and has been seen worldwide by 3 million people. The Nevada Petroleum and Geothermal Society, in conjunction with the University's American Association of Petroleum Geologists' Student Chapter, will sponsor a screening of the film at the University of Nevada, Reno.

"Not only does Switch' explore what this energy transition will look like and how long it will take, but the movie does so in a balanced way that encourages meaningful conversation on this important subject," Jerry Walker, secretary of Nevada Petroleum and Geothermal Society, said. "It challenges us all to expand our understanding of how we produce and use energy. This will be a great educational opportunity for the community to see the film and broaden their understanding of what energy is and could be."

The 98-minute film will be shown in the Joe Crowley Theatre on the third floor of the Joe Crowley Student Union. Following the film, audiences will be offered a question and answer session with Walker and Boden.

Free tickets are available online to choose seating preferences. All other seats will be filled after 6:50 p.m. Metered parking is available in the parking lot across from the Student Union at $1.50 per hour and is enforced until 8 p.m. Parking permits are also available at Parking and Transportation Services, which can be reached at 775-784-4654.

A promotional trailer for Switch and more information about the film can be found at http://switchenergyproject.com/.