Plastico

An unsettling reality lurks within the Spanish province of Almeria. Across a staggering expanse of over 100,000 acres, the landscape is consumed by a sea of plastic greenhouses, an unnatural spectacle visible by naked eye from space.These sprawling monoliths form the backbone of Europe's fruit and vegetable production. They also conceal numerous stories of exploitation and sacrifice. Amidst scorching temperatures surpassing 50 degrees Celsius, a community of predominatley North African migrants toil with relatively few protections.Beneath this plastic canopy, lives are dedicated to cultivating sustenance for European tables, while the true cost remains obscured.

Plastico was entirely self-initiated and self-funded; no grants, sponsors, or institutional backing. That independence let us tackle the subject with complete creative freedom and ethical clarity.

Documentary short, released November 2024, runtime 4:56.

Since its release, the film has screened at festivals around the world and earned multiple awards.

Winner – Tulum World Environment Film Festival
Gold Medal – London Seasonal Short Film Festival
Finalist – Ethos Film Awards LA
Nominee – Indie Short Fest Los Angeles
Honorable Mention – Thomas Edison Film Festival
Semi-Finalist – Miami Short Film Festival
Semi-Finalist – Serbest International Film Festival

Director: David Harriman, James Bettney
Production: David Harriman, Carrie Schreck
Music: Carlos Sprung
Sound Design: Tom Rouse, Ben Leeves
Edit / VFX: James Bettney
Colour Grading: Stefan Perry