Spoons against plastic pollution
A documentary about an Indian entrepreneur with a brilliant idea to stop plastic pollution.
Narayana Peesapaty (India) found a solution to decrease our dependency on plastic by providing a delicious alternative; edible cutlery. But a great invention doesn’t necessarily make a good business.
In the brand new documentary series ‘Fix the world and make money’ filmmakers Erik Loots & Linda Vermaat share the inspiring stories of six social entrepreneurs from all over the globe. The companies’ missions are clear, but challenging the established order is no easy task. We follow the entrepreneurs on their road to success; from disillusion and despair to hope and excitement. On the 9th of October this episode will launch on TwentieFour’s Youtube Channel.
What does a spoon taste like?
Single-use knives, spoons and forks are a major contributor to the growing plastic pollution crisis. An estimated 40 billion plastic utensils are thrown away each year in the United States alone. Startup Bakeys (India) produces edible cutlery to combat plastic waste. But can one man alone change an entire industry?
For close to a decade Narayana Peesapaty struggled to get his product to market. His factory was closed down, he was unable to pay his workers and his family home was on the line. Narayana: ‘I was drinking a lot, getting angry. Getting frustrated. Why is such a good product not selling?’
When suddenly he became an overnight sensation with an explosive amount of media attention. He raised over $300,000 with two crowdfunding campaigns. But how will he deal with this sudden influx in demand and the necessary production expansion?
Behind the scenes
In every episode, filmmakers Erik Loots & Linda Vermaat follow one “Fix the World” founder for 24 hours non-stop, resulting in an intimate look inside in their home and work life. The focus of this series is not a doomsday threat of climate change or capitalism. Instead, meet the dreamers, pioneers and go-getters that have chosen entrepreneurship as their weapon for change.
The power of good business
‘Fix the World and Make Money’ is the first international documentary series by production company TwentieFour. By celebrating unconventional social businesses from around the world they want to inspire people not to give up; on themselves or on a better world. Innovation and positive change is happening, not just in Silicon Valley, but also in India, Peru and Amsterdam.
Other episodes and release dates
(Click on the episode title to read the individual press releases)
House of Eléonore — Bling without the sin— 25th of September
Diamonds are a girl’s best friend, until she learns how her bling is mined. House of Eléonore exclusively uses fair trade gold and artificial diamonds. But can a sustainable underdog make it in the cutthroat world of high-end jewellery?
Laboratoria — Code your way to a better future — 2nd of October
Mariana Costa Checa (Peru) trains young underprivileged women in Latin America to become high-end web developers. How do these women cope with the complicated training and will they land a top job?
Dr Bronner’s — All One — 16th of October
Mike and David Bronner (United States) run a multimillion dollar organic soap brand that gives most of its profits back to their employees and charities. The business seems to prosper, but how easy is it to run a business with your entire family?
Erika Lust — Is feminist porn hot? — 23rd of October
Is porn by definition chauvinistic and racist? Feminist and independent adult filmmaker Erika Lust (Spain) believes it doesn’t have to be and is providing a friendly alternative.
Note for the editors
Download press kit
Would you like to interview one of the entrepreneurs or the filmmakers?Please contact:
Linda Vermaat
linda@twentiefour.com
Tel: +31 6 24214970
Check out our website for more information. We can share other episodes, trailers and press releases upon request.
About Twentie Four
Video production company TwentieFour was founded by creative couple Erik Loots and Linda Vermaat. They write and produce (long and short form) films and commercials for companies and organisations making this world a better place. Erik is an independent filmmaker and Linda works as an impact startup scout and moderator. They came up with the idea for this documentary on their third date in Marrakech. They are married and expecting their first child in the Fall.
This series is a co-production with BrightVibes, a media platform for positive news and stories with a global reach of more than 1,5 million.
We would love to thank Triple for their support and faith in our project. Triple is the innovative digital partner voor A-list brands. Schalk & Lex, without you this could not have been possible.
