Filmmaker Danny Kim, honored with the Emerging Filmmaker Award at the Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival, examines South Korea's environmental crisis exacerbated by decades of neglect. This impactful film, also selected for prestigious festivals like the EBS International Documentary Film Festival and the Seoul International Eco Film Festival, intimately follows five individuals striving to tackle the nation's escalating plastic waste issues.
Zero Waste oscillates between sobering realities and uplifting moments, portraying the magnitude of the environmental crisis and the determination of those committed to change. The documentary prompts reflection on whether their collective efforts can counteract years of negligence. Ultimately, it serves as a powerful testament to the urgent need for innovative solutions and individual responsibility in the face of environmental challenges, inspiring hope and encouraging viewers to engage actively in the quest for a sustainable future.
This is a fantastic documentary. It’s first and foremost a beautiful film: Every shot is considered, and every moment tells a tale. I knew little about environmental activism in Korea before viewing this film and found Zero Waste to be an excellent starting point for learning about the subject. There are many interesting parallels between Korean and other international environmental activism, but the documentary also highlights the unique challenges of being a culture and food economy so closely tied to the ocean.
The struggles and triumphs of several grassroots activists are the subjects of this film, and while the narration may be a little dry at times, the sheer charm of these activists makes up for any small issues in pacing. Viewers will want to see how each story ends. Thoughtful, simple, and dynamic, Zero Waste would be an excellent addition to any film series about environmentalism, recycling, or activism. Highly recommended for public and academic libraries.
Where does this title belong on public library shelves?
Zero Waste would fit right into any environmental activism documentary collection.
What kind of film series could use this title?
Any film series about environmental activism or activism in Asia could utilize Zero Waste.