Black Like Plastic, a short documentary co-produced by ForestWatch and the Santa Barbara based nonprofit, The Sea League, was selected to screen during the Santa Barbara International Film Festival on March 3. To expand on the festival momentum, ForestWatch and The Sea League hosted a public screening to make the film more accessible to the community who otherwise could not attend the festival showing.
The film was created with the intention of highlighting Black leadership in conservation and environmental spaces, bringing an awareness to the voices that are often left out of the environmental movement, and to create dialogue around the intersection of social justice and conservation.
A discussion with filmmakers and cast members Timnit Kefela and Shevon Hoover followed the screening and expanded on some of the topics in the film. The conversation was moderated by Ana Rosa Rizo-Centino, executive committee member of the Central Coast Climate Justice Network and co-creator/co-hostess of ¡Que Madre! radio show.
The film—written by Ta’nai Drayton—draws parallels between Black people in nature and plastic in the environment, and touches on the Black experience outdoors. It was co-produced and directed by ForestWatch’s Director of Youth and Community Engagement, Graciela Cabello, and The Sea League’s founder and Executive Director, Chris Ragland. It features PhD candidate and microplastic researcher Timnit Kefela as well as master’s candidate Sophia Wilmore, both from The Bren School at UCSB. The film also features Santa Barbara residents Leeandra Shalhoob, Shevon Hoover and her two children, Naya and Roman.
Planning of future screenings is underway. To be notified of dates and locations, enter your information on this form.
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