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Reviews
The Story of Plastic (2019)
A Must-See Account of Our Plastic Crisis
I viewed this film as part of the 2020 Cleveland International Film Festival's streaming catalog. The film is an eye-opening look at the life cycle of plastic and should especially be commended for its focus on the issues posed by single-use plastics to people in the Global South. While the film jumps around the world, it spends much of its time in communities in the Global South as well as in economically less advantaged communities in developed states (particularly the USA). The film could be criticized for a narrative structure that has trouble sticking to its point for long (and this makes the film feel long for its 96 minutes), but this is vastly outweighed by the information being presented. Viewers learn briefly about the history of plastic, before the film settles into its themes: that single-use plastic is the next frontier of exploitation by the oil and gas (and chemical) industry, that recycling of said plastics is a sham that is especially destructive for poor communities, and that there are many committed activists around the world working towards a zero waste future. The film attempts to strike a hopeful cord, but as with most environmental documentaries right now, it also is one with an urgent (and depressing) message. If you have read this far, you should absolutely take the time to watch it - it is now widely available via digital distribution.
Elephant Refugees (2020)
Engaging Look at Elephant Conservation Narrated by GoT's Bronn
I viewed this film as part of the 2020 Cleveland International Film Festival streaming catalog. The film is a portrait of life at the Elephant Sands Bush Camp and the results of the African elephant migration to Botswana following their suspension of poaching, which lasted from 2014 - 2019. It is masterfully narrated by Jerome Flynn (Bronn from Game of Thrones). While the film is narrowly focused on the family who runs what is essentially an elephant sanctuary with guest facilities, it also offers (implicitly) a commentary on the issues Botswana (and other states) face when conservation lacks funding and regional cooperation, while physical conditions are exacerbated by climactic stresses that will only worsen. The film manages to be educational about this fascinating species and the difficulties with elephant conservation, while also providing an honest (and heartwarming) look at the family that has devoted itself to running the bush camp. The film does not try to do too much and mostly leaves the viewer to draw their own conclusions. Certainly recommended, although fair warning to families, while there are plenty of cute baby elephants, there are also scenes of injured animals and surgery involving blood.