A filmmaker has hit out at misleading narratives around climate change ahead of her documentary's release.
Beta Bajgart came up with the idea for 'Not My Bag,' a short film which examines the impact of climate change in Crumlin, through her involvement with litter clean ups in the area. She was joined by co-producer Olga Tiernan in bringing the project to life last year.
Beta said that the suggestion that people need to do more to support the climate is frustrating when many areas don't have access to sustainable practises. She has called on the government to invest in climate friendly initiatives, such as a wider ban on single use plastic.
READ MORE: 'I can't get my head around proposal to turn Dublin 8 apartments into hotel'
The documentary maker told Dublin Live: "There aren't a lot of shops in Crumlin that are vegetable loose for instance- our option is to drive to the nearest supermarket,where groceries are wrapped in single use plastic. If we don't have that choice to begin with, why should we be named and shamed by the government for not doing enough?"
Beta hopes that the project will empower people who want to do more in support of climate change, but feel powerless in the current system. She admitted that the narrative surrounding climate change is very intimidating and should focus more on policy rather than individual responsibility.
The documentary's release coincides with redevelopment plans for Crumlin Shopping Centre, which were announced earlier this week. Beta said that the shopping centre, which lies mostly empty besides its anchor tenant Dunnes Stores, is referenced within the half hour film.
She said: "Crumlin Shopping Centre is mostly derelict and we don't know how long for. Redevelopments have been rumoured for years- we won't believe it until we see bulldozers there."
She added: "The centre is an amazing landscaping opportunity and could easily become home to a functioning food market, where better choices could be made. We do mention the centre in our documentary but we were unfortunately unable to get an official comment on it."
The documentary's release will be celebrated with a showing in Crumlin College of Further Education. Beta has mostly kept details of the guest list a secret but teased that some familiar faces will be making an appearance on the night.
'Not My Bag' will be shown at Crumlin College of Further Education on March 30. The half hour film will air at 7pm, with refreshments to follow.
READ MORE
- Social welfare Ireland: Upcoming spring cash boosts for parents and €200 lump sum payment in April
Dogs Trust seek home for 'petrified' dog rescued from puppy farm this Mother's Day
RTE's Claire Byrne overtakes Miriam O’Callaghan as favourite to host the Late Late Show
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar apologises for 'off the cuff remark' about Bill Clinton intern scandal
Dublin weather: Bleak forecast for St Patrick's Day as washout predicted
Sign up to the Dublin Live Newsletter to get all the latest Dublin news straight to your inbox.
