Events to Include Panel Discussions and Community Q&A
September 15, 2025 – Blue Hill, ME – The Shaw Institute will be screening the award-winning short documentary, Sludge: A PFAS Uprising, on September 25, in Bucksport, at the Alamo Theatre; and September 28, in Stonington, at the Stonington Opera House. Each screening will include an in-depth panel discussion with local farmers, government officials, researchers and filmmakers.
Released in late 2024, Sludge tells the story of Maine family farmers who had the courage to speak up about toxic PFAS chemicals poisoning their land, livestock, water and even their own bodies, only to lose nearly everything in the process. PFAS, also known as “forever chemicals”, had been contaminating the sludge material that they used for decades to fertilize their lands.
“It’s an important story to bring to our communities,” said Dr. Charlie Rolsky, Executive Director of the Shaw Institute. “When we first became aware of the production, we knew we had to get involved and quickly jumped on board to advise and also develop the film’s official education guide. Why? Studies have linked exposure to PFAS with serious health effects, including increased cholesterol, changes in the body’s hormones and immune system, decreased fertility, and increased risk of certain cancers.”
Rolsky said that various research have estimated the following data on the impact of PFAS:
- Over 200 million Americans have drinking water contaminated with PFAS
- Nearly 20 million acres of US cropland is contaminated with PFAS
- The blood of 97% of Americans contains PFAS
The film, which is directed by Jeff Christian and has renowned actor Matthew Modine as one of its executive producers, has screened at nearly 20 film festivals worldwide, winning awards as best short documentary at several, including the United Nations Association Film Festival.
“It’s been a wonderful ride, allowing us to shed light on the issue of PFAS contamination and why it should matter to all of us,” said Christian. “Although we did screen at the Maine International Film Festival, these upcoming events in Bucksport and Stonington are the first public screenings in the state and are really special for the entire filmmaking team. Showing the film in communities that are truly impacted by this has always been our goal. It’s an honor and pleasure to be doing so.”
In addition to Rolsky, panelists include:
- Brendan Holmes – a Maine family farmer that is featured in the film (September 25 only)
- Mary Yurlina – Agricultural PFAS Specialist, Maine DACF-PFAS Response Program
- Shelley Megquier – Policy & Research Director, Maine Farmland Trust (September 25 only)
- Sergio Cahueque – Organizer, Defend Our Health (September 28 only)
- Mike Pagano – Producer and Editor on Sludge (September 28 only)
Community members will also be encouraged to join the conversation at each screening, with Q&A opened up to all in attendance.
The screening in Bucksport, at the Alamo Theatre, will take place from 6pm to 8pm on September 25. More details HERE. The screening in Stonington will take place from 2pm to 4pm, at the Stonington Opera House. More details HERE. 100% of proceeds benefit the research and education programs of the Shaw Institute.
About Shaw Institute
Shaw Institute is a 501(c)(3) non-profit scientific research organization based in Blue Hill, Maine. Established nearly 35 years ago, the Institute’s mission is to work to discover and expose environmental threats to the health and wellbeing of people, wildlife and the environments we share. Our research on plastics, ocean pollution, marine mammal health, toxic chemicals, and climate change has informed public opinion and influenced public policy, impacting millions of people in Maine, the U.S. and worldwide.
CONTACT
Tod Hardin
thardin@shawinstitute.org
(408) 656-3570