BAYKEEPERS
See it on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rhA6sj66K5w
- Best Short Documentary: Oceanside International Film Festival
- Official Selection: Cleveland International Film Festival
- USA Transitions Film Festival
- AUS Greenpoint Film Festival
- NYC Australian Environmental Film Festival
- Sustainable Living Festival AUS
After hearing about expansive amounts of plastic waste in every ocean, Port Phillip bay-keeper Neil Blake discovers the sands of his local beaches are also insidiously turning into a kind of micro-plastic confetti. In his journey to measure just how far plastics have invaded the bay, Blake finds his community is eager to help before its diverse ecology is lost.
Similarly to the infamous midway albatross, 100% of the mutton birds off the eastern coast of Australia have now been found to contain plastic remnants within their stomachs. By studying the birds' crucial breading ground, biologist Jennifer Lavers' research into the digestive blockage, and severe toxicological effects, helps to strengthen the bay-keeper's concern to keep the plastic pollution from ever reaching the Port Phillip Bay shore.
Despite local prevention systems in place, plastic rubbish continues to cover beaches, sometime leading to entanglement, ingestion, and possible death of endemic species. Teams of scientist, and locals alike, work tirelessly clear beaches and waterways. In the face of this daunting task, Neil Blake is driven by his passion to follow aboriginal traditions looking after land and its bay. With his grandchildren near and their future in mind, he knows inaction is not an option.
With generous help and support from: Boon Wurrung Foundation, Ricketts Point Marine Care Including:
- Take 3 (Clean Beach),
- 2 Hands Project,
- Melbourne Zoo,
- Polperro Dolphin Swims,
- EPA marine specialist Randall Lee, Dr. Jennifer Lavers, Dr. Kate Charlton, Gio Fitzpatrick and Neil Blake.
- Music by Beautiful Change Shot,
- Directed & Produced by Michael J. Lutman
- Executive Producer Neil Blake
- Produced by Patricia Acuna
- Edited by Manuel Mejia Perez Sound
- Design Craig Jansson
- Colourist Kali Bateman
Like us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/baykeepers
Contact Info: Michael J. Lutman Producer/Director
