This is not a Pearl

Overview

Film that explores the aftermath of a devastating environmental catastrophe in Sri Lanka. On May 20, 2021, the X-Press Pearl container ship caught fire off the coast of Colombo, carrying 9,700 tons of potentially hazardous chemicals, oil, and epoxy resins. This tragedy also led to the world's largest-ever nurdle spill, with 87 containers releasing approximately 1,680 metric tons of plastic pellets into the ocean. Through contemporary dance and experimental filmmaking, the movie portrays the journey of a pearl oyster as it struggles to safeguard its precious pearl from the impacts of the X-Press Pearl disaster. —Tharindu Ramanayaka