This film explores seaweed plastics, a nuanced technology that is on the brink of transforming an industry and could potentially solve a devastating problem that impacts our oceans every day. These bioplastics can degrade naturally with no trace within 4 weeks if they end up in the ocean, ultimately saving animals, habitats and even us from being exposed to microplastics, which is a growing concern. We filmed with Car y Mor, a family and community-driven company in Wales, UK, that is pioneering seaweed farming in the UK. The film also talks to one of the world’s leading scientists (Dr Ross Brown) in this niche field as we try to unpick whether seaweed bioplastics could be a viable solution to plastic pollution.
Despite creating a genuine research documentary that has the power to convey such groundbreaking solutions, we attempted to explore these issues on a deeper, more human level. We filmed with Katie Maggs a Cornish free diver, teacher and conservationist found her love for the ocean as its vice in her most darkest times. Now, she uses her strong online presence to educate and inspire others to protect our seas. Finally, Curly Steve, a surfer and long time conservationist offers us his insights and history on how this problem affects him and others living in be the sea around the world. This film is an attempt to make the problem more relatable by entering the lives of three people who live and breathe the ocean every day, whilst providing a real tangible solution and exploring why plastic is an issue really will affects us all. ‘Green Ocean Gold’ is an undergraduate 3rd year student film made at Falmouth University. Directorial debut by Olaf Lawrence and Producer debut by Charlie Greaves. This was many of our first film we worked on.
