Ziya Tong, Ben Addelman/2024/84 Min/Waste & Recycling, Health & the Environment, Historical Perspectives
Accessibility: OEFF commits to an ongoing effort to make our events as open and as accessible as possible. Our 2026 accessibility page is here!
Rating, Audience & Advisory Info
Recommended ages 15+
Heavy Themes
Disturbing Images (depictions of organs, surgery, and blood).
Synopsis: The film follows journalist Ziya Tong as she explores how plastic particles infiltrate our bodies, organs, and blood, urging a rethink of our relationship with plastics.
Awards & Accolades
2025 Canadian Screen Award Winner: Best Direction Documentary
2025 Canadian Screen Award Nominee: Best Picture Editing, Documentary
“Upon arriving at the premiere of Plastic People, I felt well-informed about plastics. However, throughout the film I discovered new insights, including the production process, impacts on the human body from the harmful chemicals in plastics and potential solutions. I was captivated.” - Amanda Vanjaarsveld, Environmental Health News
Program Information: Arrive early when doors open, and stay after the film for enlightening facilitated dialogue with relevant experts and advocates. Additional program details appear below, inline with each screening description.
A One Earth Young Filmmakers Contest-winning film, Dishwasher Quest (2025, 9 Min) by the Beye Elementary School Green Team, will also be featured.
2120 Campus Dr, Room G15, Evanston, IL 60208
Thursday 4/23/2026
Presented by Climate Action Evanston
Doors Open at 6:00 PM (CST). Film Starts Promptly at 6:30 PM (CST).
Free with a suggested $10 donation.
A note from the host:
Climate Action Evanston's Beyond Waste Program and the Evanston Environmental Justice Coalition invite you to an evening at Northwestern University for a screening of Plastic People.
Following the film, a panel of experts in the fields of medicine and plastic reduction will answer audience questions and provide tangible actions through which we may reduce the amount of plastics in our environment.
