Garfield Phones Wash Up on French Coast in Documentary on Consumerism
The short documentary 'Silly Little Plastic Cat,' directed by Brooklyn filmmaker Zack Grant and released by Back Market, delves into the enigma of Garfield landline phones from the 1980s that have been appearing along Brittany's shores for over thirty years. These phones were part of a shipping container lost at sea during that decade, with its contents gradually making their way across the Atlantic. Grant's film uses this unusual occurrence to reflect on excessive consumerism and marine pollution, spotlighting the local Brittany community's efforts to address plastic waste. Producer Eleonore Voisard built rapport with hesitant locals, including beach litter collector Gilbert Mellaza and the Petton family. The film seeks to inspire hope, showcasing the community’s dedication to environmental sustainability. Claire Simonen, a local resident, emphasizes that the Garfield saga is ongoing, which she believes is beneficial as the message persists. The documentary is featured content on It's Nice That.
Key facts
- Documentary 'Silly Little Plastic Cat' directed by Zack Grant
- Released by Back Market, an online marketplace for refurbished tech
- Focuses on 1980s novelty Garfield landline phones washing up in Brittany, France
- Phones originated from a shipping container lost at sea in the 1980s
- Film examines consumerism and ocean pollution
- Producer Eleonore Voisard helped engage the local community
- Features local residents including Gilbert Mellaza and the Petton family
- Quotes local resident Claire Simonen on the ongoing message
Entities
Artists
- Zack Grant
- Eleonore Voisard
- Gilbert Mellaza
- Claire Simonen
Institutions
- Back Market
- It's Nice That
- 2020 Land
- Surfrider Foundation
- Colossal
Locations
- Brooklyn
- Brittany
- France