Gallery screens film on environmental impact of plastic
A still from the film A Plastic Ocean
(CNS Local Life): The National Gallery of the Cayman Islands (NGCI) is hosting screenings of an award-winning documentary on the impact plastic is having on the oceans and marine animals. Set for 1 April, the film, A Plastic Ocean, follows documentary filmmaker Craig Leeson and British-Caymanian-American world record free-diver Tanya Streeter as they travel the world discovering the environmental impact of discarded plastic.
The film is being showcased as part of NGCI’s maritime exhibition project. “A Plastic Ocean addresses the same critical questions that many of the featured artists are seeking to address,” explained curator and NGCI director Natalie Urquhart in an NGCI press release.
“Plastic and waste are already affecting our coastline and maritime environment. As we look to the future, with concerns over environmental substantiality, global warming and rising sea levels, how will our islands’ long kinship to the ocean continue to evolve; and how might we position ourselves from mere observers to active participants in this evolving relationship.”
The film will be screened in the National Gallery’s Dart Auditorium, with free admission thanks to support from Plastic Oceans Ltd. Filmed in 20 locations around the globe and spanning four years, the film documents the effects of one of humanity’s most destructive inventions. With a team of international adventurers, researchers and ocean ambassadors, the documentary seeks to bring awareness, immediate action and involvement to figure out what exactly can be done to stop this issue from worsening.
In discussing his involvement in the project, why it is important and what he hopes the documentary will accomplish, filmmaker Leeson said, “I noticed the severe effects industrial pollution was having on the coastal waters where I grew up. That interest was the impetus… to discover the effects our species has on other species we share the planet with and how we can co-exist sustainably to ensure the future survival of all earth’s inhabitants.
“I began to study intensely effects on marine life and humans. This was a global disaster that very few people knew about. To prove this, however, we needed to gather evidence. And to do that, we had to begin a global journey of discovery. We need to recognise solutions that work and come up with others that solve the problem of plastic that is already in the environment.
“Only through the sharing of information on this issue will policy change on how we treat plastic, will we rescue ourselves from the human health catastrophe that is developing as a result.”
Screenings will take place at 3:30pm, 5:30pm and 7:30pm. Refreshments including popcorn will be served and donations are welcome.
For more information email the National Gallery or call 945 8111. To view a map of the temporary access road to the gallery go to the NGCI website
Category: Film, Marine Environment
