Starting as a school project at Byron Bay Public School, Arlian began working on a film with his mother, filmmaker Karin Ecker, to raise awareness about the impact of plastic on turtles in the ocean. Over the last six months making the film has involved interviews with surf legend and local Byron shire resident Dave Rastovich, hosting a stall outside Woolworths in Byron and doing numerous beach clean up with friends in Byron as part of Positive Change for Marine Life’s Honour the Ocean beach.
In the film Plastic Alarm, Arlian tells the story of a sea turtle that was rescued by Seabird Rescue in Ballina after being damaged by plastic in the oceans.
‘He interviews the carers and observes them care for the turtle,’ said Karin. ‘He sees the turtle being released back to the ocean. We see her happily swimming free, while snorkelling at the wreck.’
Environment week
His film is now going to be shown as part of Environment Week Australia, that runs from 10–16 September, to all classes at the Byron Bay Public School.
‘I’m very excited to tell you that the Byron Shire Council is proudly endorsing an inspiring and local new initiative to help protect our beautiful oceans,’ continued Karin.
The Byron Shire Council is sending out a call to action to all other schools to get involved and show the film at their own schools. You can download it here.
‘Thanks to Arlian and following his collaboration with the ABC’s iconic Dirt Girl, the Byron Shire and our schools will have the opportunity to be showcased as leading the way for all the other schools across the country to come together and save our precious oceans.’
Arlian will be featured as ‘Plastic Free Boy’ on Dirtgirl ABC on September 20.
‘Check out the link here to his new film for kids and schools, Plastic Alarm, and get on board to be part of this exciting new movement.’
Donations
Karin and Arlian have received no funding for the project and though the film can be downloaded for free they are happy to accept donations towards the project here.
‘We are really trying to achieve a global movement,’ continued Karin.
‘It doesn’t stop with the film. Arlian is planning to engage with the community and businesses to look at ways that they can stop using plastic. We will keep going with films for social media and schools, promoting a sustainable future by showing solutions to the plastic pollution.’
For more information or to get involved contact Karin here.
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