Fall Sustainability Series: MICROPLASTIC MADNESS

Watch Trailer Director: Atsuko Quirk, Debby Lee Cohen

About the film

This film is brought to the Fall Sustainability series by Athens ReThink Plastics, a local group concerned about the adverse health and environmental impacts of the production, consumption and discarding of plastic products.

Microplastic Madness, co-directed by Atsuko Quirk and Debby Lee Cohen, is the story of 56 fifth-graders from P.S. 15 in Red Hook, Brooklyn – living on the frontline of the climate crisis – whose activism on plastic pollution morphs into extraordinary feats of leadership, resulting in small victories that are scalable to fit much larger problems.

With stop-motion animation, heartfelt kid commentary, and interviews with experts and renowned scientists engaged in the most cutting edge research on the harmful effects of microplastics, this alarming-yet-charming narrative conveys its urgent message in user-friendly terms.

These eleven-year-olds dive deep into the root causes of plastic pollution. Taking on the roles of citizen scientists and community advocates, they lead community outreach, collect local data, and use that data to inform policy by testifying and rallying at City Hall. They then turn their focus back to school, taking action to eliminate all single-use plastic in their own cafeteria.

Created to inspire kids, teachers, and policy makers alike, Microplastic Madness is the cinematic spark needed to enflame the youth-led Plastic Free Future movement in schools across the world!

About the series

Athena Cinema, University Libraries, and OHIO’s Environmental Studies Program present the 11th annual Sustainability Film Series.

This year’s batch of films will be centered on reflecting the urgency of what is before us. After a decade of screening movies and hosting discussions led by experts from the OHIO student body and faculty and the Athens community detailing the problems facing the world, this semester’s focus will be on solutions.

The films will demonstrate that a collaborative approach to problem-solving — involving all members of our global community, regardless of age, ethnicity, or gender — is a necessity. Education is the first crucial step in both understanding the world’s problems and developing sustainable solutions.

Following the screening of each of these beautiful, thought-provoking, and timely films, audience members are invited to join us for a panel discussion hosted by OHIO faculty members, students, and members of the Athens community.

This screening will take place at The Ridges Auditorium located at 135 Ridges Circle.

The series is possible thanks to the support of: Voinovich School of Leadership and Public Affairs, OHIO Honors Program, Honors Tutorial College, Cutler Scholars, Office of Sustainability, Center for Campus & Community Engagement, University College, Athens International Film and Video Festival, and beloved nonprofits and businesses.