Shaw Institute to screen award-winning PFAS documentary in Bucksport, Stonington
Events include panel discussions, Q&A
Adam Nordell and Johanna Davis tell their stories of the effects of “forever chemicals” at their farm in the award-winning film Sludge. Courtesy of the Shaw Institute.
BLUE HILL — The Shaw Institute will be screening the award-winning short documentary, Sludge: A PFAS Uprising, on September 25 in Bucksport at the Alamo Theatre, and again on September 28 in Stonington at the Stonington Opera House. Each screening will include an in-depth panel discussion with local farmers, government officials, researchers and filmmakers.
Released in late 2024, Sludge tells the story of Maine family farmers who spoke up about toxic PFAS chemicals poisoning their land, livestock, water and even their own bodies. PFAS, also known as “forever chemicals”, had been contaminating the sludge material that they used for decades to fertilize their lands.
“It’s an important story to bring to our communities,” said Dr. Charlie Rolsky, executive director of the Blue Hill-based Shaw Institute said in a press release. “When we first became aware of the production, we knew we had to get involved and quickly jumped on board to advise and also develop the film’s official education guide. Why? Studies have linked exposure to PFAS with serious health effects, including increased cholesterol, changes in the body’s hormones and immune system, decreased fertility, and increased risk of certain cancers.”
Fred Stone, a farmer whose land has been polluted by PFAS. Photo courtesy of the Shaw Institute.
The film, which is directed by Jeff Christian and produced by Hollywood actor Matthew Modine, has been screened at nearly 20 film festivals worldwide, winning awards as best short documentary at several, including the United Nations Association Film Festival.
“It’s been a wonderful ride, allowing us to shed light on the issue of PFAS contamination and why it should matter to all of us,” Christian said. “Although we did screen at the Maine International Film Festival, these upcoming events in Bucksport and Stonington are the first public screenings in the state and are really special for the entire filmmaking team. Showing the film in communities that are truly impacted by this has always been our goal. It’s an honor and pleasure to be doing so.”
In addition to Rolsky, panelists include Brendan Holmes, a Maine family farmer that is featured in the film (September 25 only); Mary Yurlina, an agricultural PFAS specialist, Maine DACF-PFAS Response Program; Shelley Megquier, policy and research director at the Maine Farmland Trust (September 25 only); Sergio Cahueque, organizer of Defend Our Health (September 28 only), and Mike Pagano, a producer and editor on Sludge (September 28 only).
Community members will be encouraged to join the conversation at each screening during the Q&A.
The screening in Bucksport, at the Alamo Theatre, will take place from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday, September 25. The screening in Stonington will take place from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., at the Stonington Opera House on Sunday, September 28.
All of the proceeds from the screenings will benefit the research and education programs of the Shaw Institute.
