Out Of Plastic

Is there a particular documentary film or filmmaker that had a major influence on your career?

Pep Bonet – photographer/filmmaker

What motivated you to make this film?

An urgent need to respond to the ever-increasing presence of plastic in our daily lives.

Please tell us what camera(s) you shot with primarily – and any other special equipment that you used and why you used it.

Pep Bonet: NIKON D850 / Sony FS7 ; Francisco Marquez: SONY a7sII / NIKON D500

Please tell us about any special styles or techniques that you used during the production of your film to help tell your story.

Every setting requires a different visual talent. I used 3 distinctive filmmakers who specialised in their field of visual storytelling – whether it be interviews, nature photography, or underwater images.

How did your story evolve from day one, to the very last day in post? Is your story what you thought it would be?

We started with interviews; engaging the voices of politicians, activists and scientists – but soon realised that the most important protagonist in the film, was Nature herself.

Please describe the most rewarding experience you had while making this film.

An early morning shoot, on board a local fisherman boat. The sunrise, the perspective, and the conviction that this film was being created for a purpose.

What advice can you give to other impact filmmakers?

Know your passion, and seek collaboration. We are stronger together.

What’s your favorite part about the filmmaking process and why?

The interviews. I love the fragility of the human story.

What’s the one item you always take with you when working out in the field and why?

Pen and paper. “The pen is mightier than the sword”

Please provide a brief description of the work or organization featured in your video:

Cleanwave.org is a social movement, that sets out to confront single use plastic, and provide alternatives to plastic water bottles.

What have you learned about the value and impact of the project?

That a community, who share a common vision of change, can be very powerful.

Please share a personal story about your experience making this film.

When filming in the waste management plant of Tirme on Mallorca, the dimensions of the amount of waste and the sheer excess of plastic was an abrupt awakening. This film is not just about the consequences of plastic waste – but rather shines a spotlight on our addiction to consumption and our disregard towards the consequences of our behaviour.

What do you want audiences to take away from your film?

A conscious decision to scan their daily lives, and replace single-use plastic ite,s with sustainable alternatives – and stick to it!

Please list key points that should be covered in a post-screening discussion:

Plastic pollution; oceans; alternatives, collaboration across sectors to address the plastic crisis

Please provide information on any recent developments regarding the issue or subjects of the film. How have things changed or not changed?

The film has succeeded in bringing multiple stakeholders together, who understand that collaboration across sectors including government, environmentalists and the private sector is key to finding sustainable solutions.

What opportunities are available for those interested in getting involved?

Check out Cleanwave.org – buy a bottle, adopt a refill station, support the school initiative.