July is Plastic Free July — a global movement that encourages individuals and communities to reduce plastic waste and make more sustainable choices for the health of our planet.
At SYRCL’s Wild & Scenic Film Festival, we believe storytelling has the power to inspire action. This month, we’ve curated a special playlist of prior Wild & Scenic Official Selections that explore the impacts of plastic pollution on our oceans, rivers, wildlife, and communities, while highlighting the people and solutions working toward a cleaner future.
These films remind us that small actions can create meaningful change and that protecting the places we love starts with the choices we make every day.
Enjoy the films, and join us in celebrating Plastic Free July.
The Human Side Of Plastic: Babacar Thiaw (2025) – A Journey to a Foam Free Future (2015) – A Brief History of the 5-cent Bag Tax (2014)
The Human Side Of Plastic: Babacar Thiaw 2025 Official Selection
Rush Sturges, Ben Ayers & Andrew Lynch (a film by) | 2024 | 16 min.
Babacar Thiaw, a visionary Senegalese surfer, entrepreneur, and environmental activist, is on a mission to tackle his country’s escalating plastic pollution crisis and preserve its coastline for future generations. Deeply connected to the ocean through his family’s history and inspired by his father’s teachings, Babacar’s legacy is a call to action, reminding us all that safeguarding the future begins with the choices we make today.
A Journey to a Foam Free Future 2016 Official Selection
Kaimana Idica, Danica Brown, Tierra Bartolotti, Dylan Falces | 2015 | 9 min.
Four high school students share their experience working on the Foam Free Future project to reduce the use of EPS foam take-out containers on Maui, including attending an international youth summit on plastic pollution.
A Brief History of the 5-cent Bag Tax 2014 Official Selection
Craig Schattner, Adam Walker, Emil Superfin | 2013 | 2 min.
When your city is overflowing with plastic bags, how will you react? Jack Green, head of the Department of the Environment, is on a mission to rid the city of its plastic bag scourge in this short film by DC-based DunkYourBagel promoting reusable bags to protect the environment.
