19 November, Plastic Fantastic at Werkstatt Kino

On November 19, we open our film series “Dis:connection: Cinema and Globalization” with the impressive documentary Plastic Fantastic by Isa Willinger at Werkstattkino Munich.

Plastic is everywhere — in rivers and oceans, in the air, the soil, and even in our bodies. There are 500 times more plastic particles in the oceans than stars in our galaxy. Despite this growing crisis, the giants of the plastic industry continue to expand production, even though recycling hardly works.

Plastic Fantastic follows a diverse group of protagonists — including representatives of the plastic industry, scientists, and activists — to explore the often-overlooked sides of the global plastic crisis. Environmental lawyer Steven Feit reveals how plastics have become a key growth strategy for the oil industry in the 21st century. In Louisiana, retired teacher Sharon Lavigne fights tirelessly against pollution and environmental racism in her hometown, home to one of the world’s largest plastic production sites. Oceanographer Sarah Jeanne Royer exposes the devastating effects of microplastics along Hawaii’s coasts, while Kenyan photojournalist James Wakibia uses the power of images to raise awareness about single-use plastics in his country. In Hamburg, chemist and inventor Michael Braungart envisions a world without plastic waste and demonstrates what a truly circular economy could look like.

After the screening, there will be an artist talk with filmmaker Isa Willinger and our fellow Elizabeth DeLoughrey.

Language: English and German with English subtitles
Date: November 19, 2025, 17:00
Venue: Werkstattkino, Fraunhoferstraße 9, 80469 Munich

We have a quota of 14 tickets reserved for fellows and staff members. Once this quota is used up, additional tickets can be purchased at the cinema box office for 6 euros.

Please register here.