CONNECTION, a short film encouraging people to change small habits to make a big impact, was filmed in India, Pakistan, Ghana, Los Angeles, and Hong Kong. It has been officially selected for the long-running Valley Film Festival, the internationally impactful Green Festival, and the Canadian Fashion Film Festival, all opening this summer.
The film tells the story of a cynical social influencer who undergoes a transformational journey, realizing she embodies Mother Earth and that her environmental decisions have a global impact on the future of the planet and human race.
The core message of the film, which was shot in an actual sweatshop in India and at the location of a plastic pollution crisis in Ghana, is to enlighten audiences that daily actions have a global impact and they can positively affect the future of the planet by the simple actions they take.
The importance of CONNECTION lies in its ability to translate complex environmental issues into relatable human experiences, thereby motivating viewers to adopt more sustainable practices. By showcasing the interconnectedness of our actions and their far-reaching effects, the film aims to foster a deeper sense of responsibility and empowerment in individuals. Its diverse filming locations and poignant narrative underscore the universality of environmental challenges and the collective effort required to address them, making it a powerful catalyst for change.
Setting a good example in the notoriously wasteful film industry, CONNECTION was produced following strict green protocols. The production avoided the use of single-use plastics and heavy packaging in catering, opting instead for compostable materials. They utilized ride-sharing, on-set recycling, and ensured group responsibility, resulting in no negative environmental impact on filming locations such as the pristine coves of Laguna Beach, California. Generators with polluting fuels were replaced with eco-friendly alternatives.
The film’s directors, husband and wife team Daniel Lir and Bayou Bennett of Dream Team Directors, made the film at the suggestion of Silvia Bizio, former head of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association. Bizio invited Bayou and Daniel to screen at the Ora Fest in Italy, where celebrities like Matt Dillon, Dame Helen Mirren, and Terry Gilliam gathered to take a stand against global warming.
Bayou Bennett and Daniel Lir have previously collaborated with Oscar nominee Mark Ruffalo, Oscar Winner Jane Fonda, and artist Shepard Fairey to highlight the dangers of urban fracking and its poisonous impact on South LA’s low-income populations.
In April, CONNECTION was an Official Selection at the Beyond Hollywood Film Festival, where the lead actress, Berite Labelle, who is the face of Balmain Hair, won Best Actress.
The meticulous effort to produce CONNECTION sustainably underscores the film’s commitment to its environmental message. By integrating green protocols into every aspect of production, the filmmakers not only minimize their ecological footprint but also set a benchmark for the industry. This approach highlights the feasibility and importance of environmentally conscious filmmaking, inspiring others in the industry to adopt similar practices and contribute to the global fight against climate change.
Director Daniel Lir confesses, “We were pleasantly surprised to discover environmental improvements in the course of making “Connection”. In creating the Indian sweatshop scenes, which were shot in actual factories, we were happy to discover that no child labor is present today in Southern India as well as no dangerously harmful chemical dyes. We do have a great deal of progress to make with poverty however. Also in Ghana, Africa where we shot, several locations in the capital city of Accra had been documented by Greenpeace for their massive plastic and trash pollution. But during the filming of “Connection” these spots where observed to have been greatly cleaned up.”
Whilst Bayou Bennett, who also directed the film, adds, “Film is more than just images on a screen; it’s a global language that connects hearts and minds across continents. By capturing stories on three continents, I’m not just making movies, I’m weaving a tapestry of understanding. Our actions in one part of the world ripple across the globe. Whether in the United States or Africa, our choices matter. Through film, I’m spotlighting how interconnected we truly are, reminding us that every plastic bottle tossed aside impacts lands near and far. Let’s collaborate, let’s create, and let’s make a difference together.”