Watch the Trailer

Director: Paul Donnelly | Producer: April Howard

THE PLASTIC POLLUTION CRISIS IN THE PACIFIC ISLANDS

…at a glance

  • Every year, an estimated 8-10 million tonnes of plastic waste enters the oceans, harming marine life, ecosystems, and human health. (UNESCO)

  • Pacific Island nations bear a disproportionate burden of plastic pollution, despite contributing minimally to global plastic waste. (SPREP)

  • Microplastics, found in water, food, and even human organs, have been reported to be linked to serious health risks, including cancer and endocrine disorders. (Minderoo Foundation)

  • Without urgent action, plastic waste in the ocean could outweigh fish by 2050. (Ellen MacArthur Foundation)

The impact of plastic pollution

Underwater view with dark water and bubbles

On Human Health

Plastics contain harmful chemicals like BPA, phthalates, and styrene, may disrupt hormones and increase cancer risk (PMC, 2022)

Microplastics can bioaccumulate in the body and may lead to lung disease, digestive disorders, and neurological effects (ScienceDirect, 2024)

On Marine Life

Plastic debris is often mistaken for food, leading to malnutrition, poisoning, and death in marine species (World Animal Protection)

“Ghost gear” – abandoned fishing nets and plastic waste – entangle marine animals, causing suffocation and injury. This makes up an estimated 10% of marine waste.

Chemicals in plastics leach into water, affecting marine ecosystems.

On the Ocean

Plastic pollution disrupts marine ecosystems, coral reefs, and biodiversity.

The Great Pacific Garbage Patch, an accumulation of plastic debris, continues to expand, exacerbating climate change effects by disrupting the ocean’s carbon cycle.

Voices of the Pacific is a powerful narrative that shines a light on the challenges faced by the people of the Pacific Islands in the relentless tide of plastic pollution and their determination to find support in their quest to stop it.

Pacific Islander with gray hair and a patterned shirt, looking thoughtfully at the camera, with soft focus background.

Bringing forward the voices of those at the heart of this crisis: community leaders, chiefs, and everyday islanders confronting the daily realities of plastic pollution, the film paints a portrait of multigenerational island families spread across the Pacific, each facing unique struggles yet together forming a powerful reflection of the region’s ongoing fight.

Pacific Islander woman with curly grey hair and patterned dress seated indoors.
Elderly man with white beard and tattoos outdoors

We need your help!

Voices of the Pacific is more than a film, it’s a movement to bring their stories to the world and push for real change.

Your support can make a difference. Every donation helps us take this urgent message to global decision-makers.

Together, we can turn the tide. Thank you for standing with us.