Filmmaker Alana Mediavilla on bitcoin’s energy consumption, education and closing the gender gap

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It’s no secret that people who feel threatened by bitcoin will attack it. Just a month ago, The New York Times published a malicious Article On the energy use of bitcoin mining. Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren has repeatedly attacked bitcoin from a variety of angles, going so far as to “startanti-crypto armyTargeting bitcoin as a threat to consumers while misleading the public on the environmental impact of bitcoin.

These verbal attacks are not isolated and the examples above represent just a small part of bitcoin’s upward climb to mass adoption. To put it mildly, bitcoin is disrupting countless industries as centralized authorities fear losing their monopoly on money and the power that comes with it. Bitcoin essentially “cheats” on corrupt bureaucrats and infinitely inflated fiat currencies that further enrich those who have their purchasing power consumed from paycheck to paycheck. Because bitcoin is location-agnostic and capable of using flexible loads, it naturally drives demand for the cheapest energy sources, which are often stranded natural gas or renewables.

So, why do so many elected officials and companies try to denigrate bitcoin mining and make it illegal? Perhaps it is because his ego prevents him from understanding the value proposition of bitcoin, but the facts speak for themselves.

Alana Mediavilla is a wife, mother, entrepreneur, business owner, filmmaker, and bitcoiner. He has one hell of a resume and a passion for storytelling. Armed with their knowledge of bitcoin and skills, Mediavilla decided to film and produce the documentary “dirty coin,” which highlights the value of bitcoin mining, as well as busts the theory that bitcoin mining is bad for the environment.

It was a privilege to hear his story and I know you will find his passion for bitcoin inspiring.

What is your professional background?

I’ve been an artist and entrepreneur my whole life. Couldn’t help it. Started my production company in Silicon Valley 11 years ago and recruited as a video producer at Google Cloud for about five years while I still run my creative agency for other big tech people. In 2021, I parted ways full time with Google to focus my efforts on my company and my own IP and films.

How did you first learn about bitcoin and what attracted you to it obviously?

I learned about bitcoin while attending my daughter’s ballet class in Campbell, California. A friend of mine, whose daughter was also in the same class, told me to buy as much as I could and waste on bitcoin that week. He told me it would go up, so I switched to bitcoin. This made me look into it and when my Cuban grandfather told me he knew people sending bitcoins to Cuba, I found out what bitcoin really was. What I found blew my mind and continues to do so today.

How do you usually respond to people who dismiss bitcoin, especially those close to you?

I make them a feature documentary explaining my position in XD.

Being against bitcoin is understandable. Crypto is a clown show and many people do not see the difference between bitcoin and shitcoin. Add to this that many people grew up with a mindset of lack of energy, so letting some crypto “hog all the energy” certainly sounds dangerous. The point is that this does not happen. Is the industry perfect? hell no! But are we scrutinizing the energy use of other industries in the same way? Are we doing enough studies to know the circumstances where an energy-hungry industry like bitcoin mining might be a good thing, like becoming a buyer of last resort in flare-up cases or the middle of nowhere?

Understanding more factual information about the space can’t help but lead to a better conversation about bitcoin.

Why is it important, in your opinion, to close the gender gap in bitcoin interest and adoption?

Bitcoin is for everyone. Closing the gender gap is bringing a diversity of users and advocates to bitcoin. Women are especially good at influencing their social circles and communities. More women in the bitcoin space means more women advocating for grassroots bitcoin. We need all kinds of people to aspire to financial sovereignty and it starts with conversations around the dinner table that moms are often responsible for leading. Whether a woman is financially independent or supporting a partner who is taking on family responsibilities, women who understand the importance of bitcoin can mean more for other women, people in their communities, and most importantly for their families. There is support.

This is a guest post by Becca Bratcher. The opinions expressed are solely his own and do not necessarily reflect those of BTC Inc. or Bitcoin Magazine.