Film Screening Turns Spotlight On Plastic Pollution

The destructive impact of plastic rubbish on Australian beaches and marine wildlife will be addressed at a double movie screening this month.

Sea Shepherd Brisbane will show two free films, Untrashing Djulpan and Rubber Jellyfish, at the Sandgate Town Hall as part of their Waves of Change project.

Sea Shepherd's Queensland Marine Debris coordinator and Waves of Change project leader Grahame Lloyd said the project consisted of 13 community clean-ups, three waste-free workshops, and three film screenings across South East Queensland.

Our goal is to provide an opportunity for the community to get involved in caring for their local coastlines and protecting marine life, all while learning about plastic pollution and how they can be part of the solution,� Grahame said.

I am hoping by attending our screening the community will learn more about Marine Debris and sow hope, by providing practical steps on how they can help Sea Shepherd #Stemthetide.�

Untrashing Djulpan details the devastating effects of plastic debris on the beach of Djulpan in north-east Arnhem Land.

The film follows the joint efforts of Sea Shepherd volunteer crew and the Dhimurru Aboriginal Corporation's Rangers as they attempt to reverse the damage plastic pollution has done to this beautiful remote location and important turtle nesting beach,� Grahame said.

Rubber Jellyfish is a documentary by Carly Wilson, who travelled across Australia to explore the damaging impact of helium balloons on marine life.

The film uncovered the jellyfish-like shape balloons burst once released into the atmosphere, and how easily turtles can mistake them for prey,� Grahame said.

The film acted as a catalyst in educating the general public about the consequences of balloon releases and may have contributed to the eventual banning of the balloon releases in 2018.�

A Q&A session will follow the screenings, where audience members can speak to Grahame, Carly, Ocean Protect podcast co-host Brad Dalrymple, Brisbane City Council Litter Prevention team leader Paul Cusack, and Marine Debris coordinator and Arnhem Campaign crew member Morgan Beazley.

I hope the films and guest speakers will provide a new perspective on plastic pollution and motivate the community to spread the word on the impacts of mindless plastic consumption,� Grahame said.

Book free tickets by searching Sea Shepherd Brisbane on Humanitix. To help out at a beach clean-up search events on Sea Shepherd Australia's Facebook page.

Untrashing Djulpan & Rubber Jellyfish: A Sea Shepherd Film Screening with Guest Speakers
Friday, 5 November, 6pm-9pm
Sandgate Town Hall