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Trash to Treasure

Steve McPherson, a UK-based artist, has been collecting discarded plastic objects from Kent's coast since 2007. Over 25 years, he's amassed wave-worn debris, exploring their transformative potential through assemblage, sculpture, and installations. Despite color blindness, he organizes finds by type and color, turning them into multidisciplinary artworks. Through his practice, McPherson delves into personal and collective narratives, highlighting the ecological impact of marine waste. His work intersects with themes of memory, temporality, and change, underscoring the paradoxical nature of plastic as both material and idea. The aim of our documentary is to highlight Steve's unique artistic creations and raise awareness about the urgent need to address oceanic environmental concerns, urging viewers to reflect on this pressing issue.

  • Nayoung Kim
    Director
  • Yue Mao
    Producer
  • Steve McPherson
    Key Cast
  • YiYao He
    Writer
  • Wenyu Qiu
    Editor
  • Joseanna Lammers
    Editor
  • Zichen Liang
    Art Setting Designer
  • Jieun Park
    Camera Operator
  • Immie Tuite-Sterling
    Camera Operator
  • Yue Xiao
    Location Manager
  • Project Type:
    Documentary
  • Genres:
    Biographical, Environmental
  • Runtime:
    7 minutes 57 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    April 12, 2024
  • Production Budget:
    1,200 GBP
  • Country of Origin:
    United Kingdom
  • Country of Filming:
    United Kingdom
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    Yes - University of the Arts London
  • Tackling Plastic Pollution Together, UNESCO Ocean Decade Conference
    Barcelona
    Spain
    April 11, 2024
    EU Premiere
    Featured Project in DEFRA Digital Booklet on Solution-Focused Initiatives for Tackling Plastic Ocean Pollution
  • UAL's Earth Week Activities
    London
    United Kingdom
    April 22, 2024
    UK Premire
    Selected Works of UNESCO Climate Academy Exhibition, Upper Gallery, London College of Communication
Director Biography - Nayoung Kim

Nayoung Kim is a student studying Television Industry at the University of the Arts London. Born and raised in South Korea, Nayoung has been passionate about filmmaking since high school. With a background in Media Interaction Design and Photography, Nayoung has a strong foundation in both the creative and technical aspects of filmmaking.

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Director Statement

Our documentary, Trash to the Treasure (2024), has received notable recognition, being exhibited at the Earth Week Exhibition and featured in the DEFRA booklet for the UN Ocean Decade Conference. This work focuses on environmental issues and innovative storytelling, blending visual artistry with impactful messaging. They are dedicated to using film as a tool for social and environmental change.