Guest speakers for a Q&A at the event will be Coffs Harbour City councillor Sally Townley and Lisa Siegel from the Centre for Ecological Learning.

The feature-length documentary, which was edited by former Bellingen local Clare Clayton and her husband Matt from Deer Owl Productions, is aiming to get councils and governments across Australia to ban balloon releases because of the devastation they cause, particularly to sea turtles who eat them thinking they are jellyfish.

When helium balloons are released, many burst into jellyfish-like shapes, high in the Earth’s atmosphere. A University of Queensland study found sea turtles specifically target balloons. In fact, of all rubber items found inside of deceased sea turtles, 78 per cent were balloons or balloon fragments.

Turtles do not have the ability to vomit, so ingestion of human garbage is particularly problematic for them.  

Ingestion of balloons and plastic can cause ‘float syndrome’ in sea turtles – a painful and often lethal condition where gasses form in the digestive tract around the consumed garbage. This causes the animal to float, making them vulnerable to boat strike, shark predation, accumulation of barnacles, sunburn, and unable to dive down for food or protection. Many ultimately die a slow death by starvation.

In most parts of the world, balloon release ceremonies are still legal. They are a popular way of memorialising lost loved ones.

We all know that throwing rubbish on the ground is littering, so why is letting a balloon float away seen as something different? Rubber Jellyfish is a feature-length documentary that explores the effects of helium balloons on the environment, wildlife and human beings. First time film-maker and mum-to-be Carly Wilson sets out on a personal journey to meet key players on all sides in the fight to ban balloons, and exposes the confronting truth behind our favourite party product.

As she travels around Australia and explores problems around the world, seeking to understand the science and various points of view, Carly discovers a range of issues, from the heartbreaking impact on sea turtles to the potentially deadly effect of helium on children. Her journey takes her from littered beaches to the capital, as she speaks to businesses and politicians to find out why the balloon problem is being ignored and if something can be done.

Events Cinema, Coffs Harbour

28 November 2018 at 6:30 PM

Suitable for children.

Book tickets at: tickets.demand.film/event/6483

Facebook event: https://www.facebook.com/events/269682770348580/

**Threshold Deadline (Screening will only go ahead if enough tickets sell by November 18)

Tickets are available *only online* (if people turn up at the door without a ticket, they won't be able to get in). People will not be charged unless the screening goes ahead.

www.rubberjellyfishmovie.com