In a significant move ahead of its premiere at SXSW, the feature documentary “Plastic People: The Hidden Crisis of Microplastics” has secured an international distributor in Rainmaker Content based in the UK. This 90-minute film, produced by Canada’s White Pine Pictures, delves deep into the world’s addiction to plastic and the escalating threat posed by microplastics to human health. With an official selection at the SXSW Festival 2024 Documentary Spotlight, Rainmaker now holds the worldwide sales rights for the film.
“Plastic People” serves as a critical follow-up to the acclaimed documentary “Toxic Beauty,” shedding light on the alarming reality that only 10% of plastic is recycled, while the remaining 90% deteriorates into harmful microplastics. Through groundbreaking first-time-on-film testing of toxicity levels in the human body, the film unveils the pervasive presence of these minuscule particles in our organs, bloodstreams, and even the placentas of new mothers. Co-directed by renowned author and science journalist Ziya Tong and filmmaker Ben Addelman, the documentary takes a personal approach by immersing viewers in the world of leading scientists and actual experimentation on Tong’s own body, food, and home.
Produced by Vanessa Dylyn and Stephen Paniccia, with Peter Raymont as President of White Pine Pictures and Canadian environmentalist Rick Smith as executive producers, “Plastic People” is a collaborative effort that brings to light the urgent need for action against plastic pollution. Funding for the documentary has been sourced from various entities including Telus Communication’s Telus Independent documentary film initiative, the Canada Media Fund, Telefilm Canada, and generous support from philanthropic organizations such as the Dragonfly Fund and the Chisholm Thomson Family Foundation.
According to Greg Phillips, Co-CEO of Rainmaker Content, the issue of plastic pollution transcends environmental concerns to pose a direct threat to human health. “Plastic People” aims to be a pioneering film that lays bare the true dimensions of the plastics crisis and offers compelling solutions to address this pressing issue. The urgency of the situation is underscored by the comprehensive research and engaging narrative presented in the documentary.
Rainmaker Content’s recent distribution deal with Canadian producer No Equal further solidifies its presence in the global market, adding three scripted drama series to its portfolio. The company’s emergence comes after the restructuring following Kew Media Group’s administration in 2020, establishing Rainmaker as a key player in the international sales rights arena. With SXSW providing a platform for groundbreaking documentaries such as “Plastic People,” the importance of shedding light on pressing issues and encouraging dialogue on solutions cannot be overstated.
“Plastic People: The Hidden Crisis of Microplastics” transcends traditional documentary filmmaking by delving deep into the intricate web of plastic pollution and its detrimental effects on human health. Through compelling storytelling and immersive research, the film serves as a clarion call for collective action to address the escalating threat posed by microplastics. Rainmaker Content’s distribution of the film underscores its commitment to bringing impactful stories to a global audience, further cementing its position as a prominent player in the entertainment industry.
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