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On March 20, in honor of the Warner Theatre will host a special screening of “Ripples of Plastic,” a groundbreaking documentary that shines a light on the pressing issue of plastic pollution in the Great Lakes, with a particular focus on Lake Erie. The screening will be followed by an insightful question-and-answer session featuring the filmmaker, Chris Langer, and Dr. Sherri “Sam” Mason, Ph.D., director of Project NEPTWNE and a leading voice in freshwater conservation. 

Unlike many environmental documentaries that focus on oceanic pollution, “Ripples of Plastic” uniquely highlights the challenges freshwater ecosystems face due to plastic waste.  

Mason emphasized the importance of this focus, adding: “People often associate plastic pollution with oceanic wildlife, but they don’t realize this is happening in the very water we drink. This film makes the issue local and immediate, bringing it home in a way that can drive real change.” 

The film follows Langer’s journey into environmental filmmaking, which began unexpectedly during the COVID-19 pandemic. While on a simple beach cleanup with his wife, he was struck by the overwhelming amount of plastic waste. That moment of realization spurred him into action. With a background in marketing and communications, Langer decided to use his skills and equipment to craft a documentary that not only exposes the problem but also highlights the solutions being implemented by dedicated individuals and organizations. 

Mason, who plays a key role in the documentary, expressed her appreciation for Langer's work.  

“Chris didn’t just document the issue; he captured the emotion and urgency behind it,” said Mason. “Seeing the final product, I was deeply moved. It’s a powerful tool to educate and inspire action.” 

The screening also serves as a step in showcasing the mission of Project NePTWNE, a multifaceted initiative aimed at educating, researching and addressing environmental concerns surrounding Lake Erie. Mason sees this event as an opportunity to make Project NePTWNE’s work more tangible to the community. 

“We take people out on the lake, collaborate through art and film and build a community of Lake Erie stewards,” explained Mason. “This screening is an essential step in connecting people to our mission and demonstrating what Project NePTWNE truly stands for.” 

Doors to the Warner Theatre will open at 4:30 p.m., with the screening beginning at 5:30 p.m. The Q&A session, moderated by Kristin Talarico of Erie Insurance, will follow immediately after, offering attendees a chance to engage with Langer, Mason and other voices from the documentary about the film and the broader implications of plastic pollution. 

The event is free and open to the public thanks to the generosity of event partner, Erie Insurance. We invite and encourage participation from environmental advocates, students and community members alike. Do not miss this opportunity to witness a compelling documentary and join the conversation on protecting our freshwater resources. 

For more information, contact Sherri Mason at mason032@gannon.edu.