When the Soviet Union collapsed in 1990 and imports of oil were reduced 50% and food 80%, Cuba was faced with instant peak oil. The Power of Community tells of the hardships and struggles, as well as the community and creativity, of the Cuban people during this difficult time. Cubans share how during "The Special Period" they transitioned from a highly mechanized, industrial agricultural system to local, urban gardens using organic methods of farming.

The film opens with a short history of Peak Oil, a term for the time in our history when world oil production will reach its all-time peak and begin to decline forever. Cuba, the only country that has faced such a crisis – the massive reduction of fossil fuels – is an example of options and hope.