UCI to Host Free Spring Film Series at Monmouth University

WEST LONG BRANCH — The Monmouth University Urban Coast Institute (UCI) will host three movie screening and panel events exploring issues impacting coastal ecosystems as part of its on-campus Spring Film Series. All events are free, open to the public and will be held in the Pozycki Hall Auditorium.

The series will kick off on March 30 at 6 p.m., when UCI partners with Clean Ocean Action to present A Plastic Ocean, a film that is raising awareness about the consequences of society’s global disposable lifestyle. The film will be followed by a discussion with Bayshore Recycling Vice President of Operations Gary Sondermeyer, who will provide an important and interesting perspective on controlling plastic waste and marine debris.

The April 6 film Ocean Frontiers III: Leaders in Ocean Stewardship & the New Blue Economy tells the story of the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regional ocean plans and chronicles efforts to plan for a healthy, safe, sustainable future. At the film’s conclusion, UCI Director Tony MacDonald will moderate an expert panel focused on the historic new Mid-Atlantic Regional Ocean Action Plan, which the UCI played a key role in developing. The film screening will begin at 6:30 p.m. with a reception at 6 p.m. The UCI will co-sponsor a second showing on April 22 at 7 p.m. at the Ship Bottom Volunteer Firehouse.

On April 13 at 4:30 p.m., the UCI Film Series concludes with a showing of Les Saisons (Seasons), a French documentary that observes European wildlife with exceptional high-definition footage. A discussion will be held after the film with Rockefeller University Professor Jesse Ausubel, who served as a science advisor to the film’s directors.

To register for these events or for more information, visit the UCI website or email uci@monmouth.edu.