Documentary Exposes Denim Manufacturing Impacts on Global Rivers
Crowdfunding Advisors, FundRazr Team
Filmmakers Launch 30-Day Crowdfunding Campaign
Toronto, ON (June 18, 2014): How Dirty Are Your Blue Jeans? This is the question that filmmakers behind the Canadian feature documentary RiverBlue are asking. The film, an around-the-world journey by river, culminating in one of the most ambitious river documentaries ever undertaken, features Mark Angelo, a passionate educator and an internationally acclaimed river advocate, who has quite possibly paddled more rivers in his lifetime than anyone else on this planet. Having paddled globally for over 40 years, Mark has sadly watched the decline of the rivers that he loves. Journeying through some of the most pristine to the most devastated rivers, Mark discovers and unveils the first in-depth look at the source of much destruction on our global waterways, textile and tannery manufacturing. The denim industry will serve as the worst-case scenario in the film, revealing the disturbing instances of how we can show such little regard for what nature has given us.
While the rough cut of the film is complete, there is much work that lies ahead in post-production, including finding voice over talent, music and animation to name a few. In order for this important film to be completed, the film producers are seeking support from the public via a 30-day crowdfunding campaign. The goal is for 2000 people to donate $20 each over the 30-day period that begins on Wednesday June 25, 2014.
Why is it so important for this film to be made? Through harsh chemical manufacturing processes and the irresponsible disposal of toxic chemical waste, one of our favourite iconic products, jeans, is destroying rivers and changing the lives of people who count on these waterways for their survival. Think of it this way, the dyes used to colour our clothing, often containing harmful substances like mercury, cadmium and lead, are being dumped into rivers that people drink from and depend upon. That’s not OK. In addition, the making of each pair of jeans uses huge amounts of water. RiverBlue will act as a rallying cry to demand significant change in the textile industry from the top fashion brands that can really make a difference.
“Rivers are our planet’s arteries; they’re lifelines in the truest sense – so what happens to us when a river dies?” – Mark Angelo.
“Billions of pairs of jeans are made every year, in a very toxic way. This manufacturing is killing our waterways and the people that live alongside them. RiverBlue is being created to affect a positive change in the fashion industry. The sooner that people are aware of what is happening and see how they can help, the sooner that we can stop destroying our rivers and harming the people that use them. It is time to make this change.” – Roger Williams.
Beyond making a contribution to the crowdfunding campaign, consumers can take the following steps to help make a more positive impact:
- Ask your favourite denim brands if they are taking measures to reduce the amount of water used in the manufacturing process.
- Research what denim brands are doing good things and make an effort to only purchase your ‘new’ jeans from them.
- Buy second hand or vintage denim.
About the filmmakers: David McIlvride is a Gemini Award-winning Director and insightful storyteller who has written and directed some of the most respected documentary series’ on television for broadcasters such as Discovery, National Geographic and History Channel.
Roger Williams is a passionate producer and Gemini-nominated Director of Photography whose work has gone on to win Gemini awards for series on Discovery Channel and TSN.
For more information on the film and to view the trailers, please visit:
If you are interested in a ‘First Look’ at the film or to set up an interview with Mark Angelo or one of the producers, please contact Kelly Drennan at kelly@thirdeyemeda.ca or 416-458-1491.
