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in love with a problem

Miranda Wang and Jeanny Yao were still in high school when they discovered plastic-eating bacteria in Vancouver’s Fraser River. Passionate about the problem of plastic waste, the two millennial innovators are now on an inspiring journey to solve it. Their dedication has taken them all the way from Vancouver to Silicon Valley. From bacteria to cutting edge chemistry, their story has illuminated one of our earth’s biggest eco disasters.

  • Julie Kim
    Director
    Hockey 24
  • Giuliana Bertuzzi
    Producer
    Red Snow, Air, Afflicted
  • Amber-Leigh Polowich
    Producer
  • Julie Kim
    Producer
    Hockey 24
  • Miranda Wang
    Key Cast
    "Self"
  • Jeanny Yao
    Key Cast
    "Self"
  • Philip Lanyon, CSC.
    Director of Photography
    Star Trek Discovery, Star Trek Picard, Frontier
  • Kim Frank
    Editor
  • Elizabeth Chau
    Additional Editor
  • Edi Osghian
    Additional Editor
  • Stefan Sonnefeld
    Company 3 President
    300, Man of Steel, Star Trek Into Darkness, Alice in Wonderland
  • Sean Coleman
    Company 3 Senior Colourist
    Sigur Ros: Leaning Towards Solace, James Dean: Live Fast, Die Young, NOS4A2: Ghost
  • Gabriel Wakeman
    Company 3 Senior Producer
  • Daryl Bennett
    Music Composer
    Lost Solace, The Exhibition
  • Humberto Corte / Parlante Sound
    Sound Design & Mix
  • Miguel Araujo / Parlante Sound
    Dialogue Editor
  • Alex Lara / Parlante Sound
    SFX Editor
  • Sumit Sera / Common Theory
    Animation
  • Lela Turner
    Illustrator
  • Johanna Neufeld / Top Secret Agency
    Graphic Designer
  • Wayne Hoecherl
    Retoucher
  • Project Type:
    Documentary, Short
  • Genres:
    environmental, educational, biographical
  • Runtime:
    22 minutes
  • Completion Date:
    January 1, 2021
  • Production Budget:
    105,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    Canada
  • Country of Filming:
    Canada, United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital, HD, RED
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    No
Distribution Information
  • CBC
    Distributor
    Country: Canada
    Rights: All Rights
  • Telus
    Distributor
    Country: Canada
    Rights: Internet, Video on Demand, Pay Per View, Airline, Paid TV
Director Biography - Julie Kim

Julie Kim is an award winning Director / DP based in Vancouver. She is known for bringing her projects to life in an honest and cinematic fashion.

Her documentary 'In Love With a Problem' follows two innovative teens who set out to rid the world of plastic waste. Along the way, they discover plastic-eating bacteria, unlock breakthroughs in chemistry and journey from Vancouver to Silicon Valley.

Julie’s commercial work speaks to a global audience. She has worked with international clients including: Netflix, Starbucks, Amazon, Dr.Oetker, Scotiabank and the NHL. Julie is drawn to human stories and visual storytelling.

'In Love With a Problem' is currently available on CBC Gem and Telus.

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Director Statement

The journey of this documentary started with me googling plastic pollution solutions. I discovered some articles featuring a couple of local young female scientists on the hunt for change. One cold call to Miranda Wang in Menlo Park, California, started a years-long conversation, that resulted in my project telling their story. My intention is to instil knowledge and hope for future generations, specifically inspired by my own teenage daughter. Younger generations are hearing constant doom and gloom that span from school to social media, creating an increasing depression and anxiety for the future of our planet.

Miranda Wang and Jeanny Yao are addressing the problem straight on, and showing the world their curiosity and caring, is enough to make some big changes.

I believe these two young women are incredible role models for girls, youth, leadership and in life. I learned that my own contribution to our pollution problem is to bring a voice to people like our young scientists who are finding ways to combat climate change and encourage a prosperous eco-economy. For us, our children and their future.