Athens, Ga. – A team of University of Georgia-based marine researchers investigating the impacts of the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill on the Gulf of Mexico are teaming up with local and statewide conservation agencies to co-present the 2017 Ripple Effect Film Project.
The research consortium Ecosystem Impacts of Oil and Gas Inputs to the Gulf includes 29 researchers from 15 institutions and is led by Samantha Joye, Athletic Association Professor in Arts and Sciences in UGA’s department of marine sciences. In addition to cutting-edge scientific research on the Gulf of Mexico, a primary goal of the consortium is to engage with the public about the group’s scientific activities and the importance of healthy ocean systems.
The Ripple Effect Film Project is accepting short films and public service announcement submissions that focus on the 2017 theme “ocean connections” through Jan. 31. Submissions are open to filmmakers of all ages and abilities from around Georgia. Finalists’ films will be showcased at the historic Morton Theatre in Athens on March 25.
This year submissions are not restricted to Athens-Clarke County residents or water conservation and stormwater protection topics, but are open to films from around the state on a broad range of topics that connect human behavior to the health of the world’s oceans.
“We’re excited to partner with Ripple Effect-daily choices about food, water and energy consumption impact ocean ecosystems whether we live inland or on the coast. The Ripple Effect partnership represents an exciting new way to engage with people about the importance of ocean health and sustainability-not just for the Gulf of Mexico but for all oceans,” Joye said.
The Ripple Effect Film Project was founded in 2013 by the Athens-Clarke County Office of Water Conservation in conjunction with EcoFocus Film Festival. Since then hundreds of filmmakers have had their films included in the annual “Blue Carpet Premiere” event in Athens. In addition to ECOGIG and Athens-Clarke County Water Conservation, presenting partners include Athens-Clarke County Stormwater Division and Keep Athens-Clarke County Beautiful.
Further information about ECOGIG and Ripple Effect Film Project may be found at www.ecogig.org and www.rippleeffectfilmproject.org. Film entries may be submitted through https://filmfreeway.com/festival/RippleEffectFilmProject.