Microplastic Madness
SCREENINGS Planetarium Theater 2, Saturday, Feb. 22, 1:00pm – 2:30pm Megadome Theater 1, Sunday, Feb. 23, 12:00pm – 1:30pm Total Runtime: 1 hour 16 minutes
Directors: Atsuko Quirk, Debby Lee Cohen	1h16m, USA
This inspirational and optimistic take on global plastic pollution is told through the point of view of children motivated to solve our ongoing environmental crisis. Fifth graders from PS 15 in Red Hook, Brooklyn — a community on the frontline of climate change severely impacted by superstorm Sandy — spent two years investigating plastic pollution. Taking on the roles of citizen scientists, community leaders, and advocates, these 10- and 11-year-olds collect local data, lead community outreach, and use their impressive research to inform policy, by testifying and rallying at city hall. They take a deep dive into the root causes of plastic pollution, bridging the connection between plastic, climate change, and environmental justice before turning their focus back to school. There they take action to rid their cafeteria of single-use plastic, driving citywide action and a scalable, youth-led plastic-free movement. With stop-motion animation, heartfelt kid commentary, and interviews of experts and scientists engaged in the most cutting-edge research on the harmful effects of microplastics, this alarming yet charming narrative conveys an urgent message to spark youth-led, plastic-free action in schools everywhere. Co-director Debby Lee Cohen will be on hand for post-screening Q&A.