News Story
March 16, 2022
La Roche Student Collaborates With National Geographic on Short Film to Protect Oceans from Plastic
PITTSBURGH, March 16, 2022 – In collaboration with award-winning underwater filmmaker Ziggy Livnat, La Roche University film major Camila Casas recently released “Blue-less,” a short film promoting the protection of oceans from plastic.
The film, featuring underwater footage from Mr. Livnat, depicts the ocean asking humans to stop polluting the underwater world with plastic. “I wanted to give the ocean a voice, to make it feel closer to us,” Ms. Casas said. “My piece is a journey through our mother ocean’s painful memories to bring awareness and encourage a change.”
The PSA showcases transparent blue waters, coral reefs and marine life. The film also captures heart rendering footage of the destruction tourists and negligent divers wreak, and the discarded garbage that animals inevitably eat.
Ms. Casas created “Blue-less” as part of her Filmmaking for the Web class at LRU, taught by Crystal Fortwangler, Ph.D., assistant professor and department chair of film. Ms. Casas, along with seven other students, worked with Mr. Livnat to create short PSAs promoting the protection of the oceans from plastic. The students studied various PSAs and strategies for creating influential media.
The class assignment was based on a curriculum Mr. Livnat created for middle schools titled, “I am For the Sea,” which shares knowledge about the oceans, encourages student creativity and gives them an opportunity to promote a call to action. Mr. Livnat’s project is partially funded by the National Geographic Society and is now in its pilot year in 10 schools in Israel.
“The oceans need all the help they can get,” Mr. Livnat said. “La Roche students were a delight to work with on this project. Together we are making a difference.”
Dr. Fortwangler said the project allowed students to contribute to a greater cause. “Our students enjoyed this so much,” she said. “It gave them a way to use their filmmaking skills to help protect the oceans. It allowed them an opportunity to join a global effort to create positive change in the world.”
La Roche’s film program prepares students for entry-level jobs and further education in the field. The film program’s professors are industry-connected and have experience creating narrative, documentary and experimental films. The program is open to all students interested in pursuing a film career.
About La Roche University: A private liberal arts university in the North Hills of Pittsburgh, La Roche University offers 66 undergraduate programs of study, six master’s degrees and one doctoral degree, with particular strengths in education, business, criminal justice, psychology, and health and medical sciences as well as interior design and graphic design. This residential university provides a vibrant campus community for nearly 1,300 men and women enjoying 30-plus student organizations and an exciting NCAA Div. III athletics program. Founded by the Sisters of Divine Providence in 1963, La Roche University embraces its Catholic heritage while welcoming people of all faiths and backgrounds. With a legacy of social justice and a commitment to international exchange, La Roche University educates students to be lifelong learners and achievers in an increasingly diverse and global society.
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