Cans on Film

If you thought modern cinema was just about recycling old ideas, think again: The Canners, a documentary about the lack of a consistent and coherent national policy on reusing old packaging, is looking for volunteers to discuss recycling in Texas. The film makers will be in Austin this week, and are looking for policy makers, professional recyclers, non-profit recycling programs, and people who put as much into the recycling bin as possible. "We will visit cities across the country to uncover why some states have deposit laws, while others don’t, talking with politicians and garbage anthropologists," said filmmaker Dave Rizzotto. "We will also explore such personal aspects as what motivates people to recycle through conversations with people living on the street, to cub-scout troops fundraising, to environmentalists."

If you're interested, contact Shantel Hansen at [email protected]

See below the fold for full press release.

Got Cans?

Recycling documentary seeks can collection stories in your community

Boston, MA, February 23, 2008 — Dave Rizzotto, a filmmaker and digital media consultant, and Shantel Hansen, an intercultural recruiter, are partnering to film a documentary called The Canners. The intent of the project is to explore varying state beverage recycling policies and their impact on the people who redeem containers.

“We will visit cities across the country to uncover why some states have deposit laws, while others don’t, talking with politicians and garbage anthropologists,” said Rizzotto. “We will also explore such personal aspects as what motivates people to recycle through conversations with people living on the street, to cub-scout troops fundraising, to environmentalists.”

Not only do recycling programs prevent littering, reduce waste and improve collection, they also create jobs and foster economic development, according to the National Recycling Coalition (NRC), Alexandria, VA. Yet, there are only 11 states that have implemented a bottle bill law that require a refundable deposit on beer, soft drink and other beverage containers. The film will explore why so few states have adopted such laws.

“I will identify individuals that will provide the historic, scientific, economic, and social lenses surrounding recycling. This is my first time collaborating with a filmmaker to investigate and document cultural attitudes, trends, and behaviors,” commented Hansen.
Newbury Film Series, Inc., a not-for-profit in the Greater Boston Area, is the fiscal agent for this project. “Raising funds to produce non-commercial media can be a challenge,” stated Brian Tinger, a Newbury Film Series board member. “With our tax-exempt status, we are able to help projects attract donors by offering a 100% tax deduction on all contributions.”

Waste is no longer just about environmental impact. This issue has become political. The Canners will document what is driving policies to support recycling and the obstacles many states face to implement. This information may allow audiences to construct more educated beliefs and to take relevant action.

The producers of this film seek to interview regional politicians and can collectors as they travel through the continental USA.

For more information or share a lead or story, contact Shantel Hansen at [email protected]