Look-Out for Rubber Jellyfish in Dorset (Film Premiere)

Plastic-free activity across Dorset is set to receive a boost with a crowdfunded UK film premiere and tour starting in Wimborne on March 14th.

Rubber Jellyfish is a feature-length documentary that explores the effects of balloon releases on wildlife, the environment and ultimately us. We know that throwing rubbish on the ground is littering, so why is letting a balloon float away seen as something different? The truth is, if not disposed of properly, our favourite party product is just another piece of single-use plastic littering our countryside, coast and sea.

Two local organisations Don’t Inflate to Celebrate and Ecotainment! have launched a Crowdfunder campaign to help raise awareness by bringing this film to the UK for the first time. Both organisations are partners in the county-wide Wave of Change responsible for showing A Plastic Ocean feature film to over 600 people last year. “Film screenings like this are an excellent way to energise the community” says Lee Hadaway of Ecotainment! “We are showcasing local projects, rewarding volunteers and inspiring others to take-action on plastic waste”.

At 8 km high, just below the height of a commercial airliner, a ‘toy’ helium-filled balloon will explode into a rather distinctive shape that looks like a jellyfish – making it ideal prey for sea turtles and other marine predators. In the film wildlife conservationist and mum-to-be Carly Wilson sets out on a personal journey to protect the nine species of sea turtle found in Australian waters. The outcome is a film of profound global impact. “I decided to change course and instead of completing another scientific study that may or may not be adequately communicated to the public, to instead focus my efforts on a feature length documentary that could act as a powerful education and conservation tool.”. Carly discovers a range of issues, from the heartbreaking impact on sea turtles to the potentially deadly effect of helium on children.

Both organisations are eager to repeat the success of the Plastic Ocean ‘Wave Of Change’ tour which took place across the county in 2017/18. Instead of relying on ticket sales and sponsorship they are asking supporters to dig deep and help fund the screenings by making a suggested £5 donation on the door and through the purchase of rewards via Crowdfunder. “There are plenty of alternatives to what is basically harmful littering from the sky” says Annabel Gardner of ‘Don’t Inflate to Celebrate’. There is a great selection of limited edition gifts, for as little as £5 you will get your name or a loved-ones name projected onto the big screen. We also have signed children’s books – copies of Ellie Jackson’s Marli’s Tangled Tale, Casus eco-friendly barbeques and engraved stainless steel 1 pint tankards “Raise a glass for celebration instead of memory by inflation!”. Business sponsorship packages also available starting from £55. See www.crowdfunder.co.uk/dorset-screenings-of-rubber-jellyfish for further info.

The more money they can raise, the more communities they are able to visit with the message that balloons releases really are just harmful aerial litter – no good to human or beast. “If people want us to show the film in their community they can leave a message via Crowdfunder after making their donation. We will try to accommodate everyone’s wishes and can cater for groups of up to 150 but it’s imperative we raise enough money now to help-us get this wave of screenings started.” says Lee.

The ‘Wave of Change’ Rubber Jellyfish tour will run from 14th March (British Science Week) until the week ending 9th June ( 8th June is World Oceans Day). Starting with the UK & European Premiere at the Community Learning and Resource Centre CLaRC, Kings Street, Wimborne on 14th March.

Organisations already pledging their support for the screenings are Wimborne War on Waste, Litter Free Dorset, Sound Kitchen. They are still actively seeking Event Partners, Venues and Sponsors to help finalise the tour and link-up the plastic-free activity in our region. The Dorset Rubber Jellyfish screenings are supported by a website with information about the film, latest news and locations see www.waveofchange.uk

If you are a venue, environmental campaign group or local business wanting to take part please complete the online application form here www.creativedynamo.net/feel-good/.

For all other enquiries please contact Annabel Gardner directly at: [email protected] or Lee Hadaway [email protected]/ 07789865934

More information:

British Science Week is a ten-day celebration of science, technology, engineering and maths, featuring entertaining and engaging events and activities across the UK (9th-17th March)

World Oceans Day is a global day of ocean celebration and collaboration for a better future (8th June)

WEBSITES

www.waveofchange.uk

www.rubberjellyfishmovie.com

https://beachclean.net

http://www.litterfreedorset.co.uk

SOCIAL MEDIA

Dorset Screenings of Rubber Jellyfish

https://www.facebook.com/DorsetRubberJellyfish/

Crowdfunder

Don’t Inflate to Celebrate

https://www.facebook.com/DontInflateToCelebrate/