Don Petchsangroj, a Grade 10 learner, recently won 3rd place in the High School category at the 13th annual International Ocean Film Festival Student Competition 2024.  His 4-minute film, "Phytoplankton in a Nutshell," impressed the judges by highlighting the critical importance of phytoplankton and their perilous situation due to pollution and climate change. Don directed, scripted, voiced, edited, and animated the film himself, with mentorship from our Learning Designer Christina Nagle.

Inspiration Behind the Film

The idea for the film came to Don a few years ago when he learned an astonishing fact: "Phytoplankton make 50% of the world’s oxygen." This revelation sparked his interest in the subject. Though he lacked the skills or platforms to act on his newfound passion at the time, the information stayed with him. When he joined a class at VERSO called “WeXplore: To Connect”, which encouraged students to participate in various competitions, he saw an opportunity to share his passion for phytoplankton at the International Ocean Film Festival (IOFF) Student Film Competition.

From scripting to final editing, Don meticulously crafted every aspect of the film to create a visually appealing and informative video that won him 3rd place 3rd place in the High School category at the 13th annual International Ocean Film Festival Student Competition 2024.

Understanding Phytoplankton’s Role

In simple terms, Don explains that phytoplankton are the foundation of most food chains, including those that ultimately reach our plates. These tiny organisms are also responsible for producing 50% of the world’s oxygen—more than all the trees on Earth combined. Unfortunately, phytoplankton are at risk of dying off due to pollution and climate change, which could drastically reduce the oxygen supply and disrupt many vital food chains.

Challenges and Creative Process

Creating a compelling film with a strict 5-minute limit was one of Don's biggest challenges. He had to condense complex scientific information into simple, engaging sentences while maintaining a clear and impactful narrative. His approach began with extensive research, which he structured into a compelling storyline, starting with the surprising fact about oxygen production and ending with potential solutions to the problems facing phytoplankton.

From scripting to final editing, Don meticulously crafted every aspect of the film. He combined real-life imagery with illustrations, voice-acting, and engaging animations to create a visually appealing and informative video. Don used a combination of Procreate, DaVinci Resolve, and Photopea to achieve his vision, experimenting with different techniques and styles to ensure the film was both educational and entertaining.

The Role of Mentorship

Mentorship played a crucial role in Don's journey. Christina Nagle, his mentor, provided guidance and kept him focused throughout the process. "The most valuable thing I’ve learned under her mentorship was the importance of planning," Don shared. "If it weren’t for her, I would’ve winged the entire project, and the film would’ve ended up far worse. It’s always a good idea to plan ahead, as it will dramatically improve the quality of your work in the long run."

Don credits his mentor Christina Nagle for guiding him and emphasizing the importance of planning in filmmaking. 

Actions Families Can Take to Help Protect Phytoplankton

Don offers simple steps that families can take to help protect phytoplankton:

1. Proper Waste Disposal: Avoid littering and dispose of waste properly, using recycling bins whenever possible.
2. Save Electricity: Turn off lights, air conditioners, and electronics when not in use.
3. Reduce Gas Usage: Opt for public transport, biking, or walking instead of driving.

"The most valuable thing I learned from my mentor who is my Learning Designer at VERSO, is the importance of planning and how it can dramatically improve the quality of your work in the long run."

-DON, G9

Looking Ahead

Winning 3rd place at the IOFF has been a significant achievement for Don. "It feels like a giant seal of approval," he said. "I will be taking this as a sign to continue to grow my filmmaking skills."

"Throughout the creation of this film, my knowledge grew in so many different aspects. I learned how to use different software more efficiently; I learned how to format a more compelling film; and I learned all about the wonderful creature that is the phytoplankton",  he added.

Don plans to create more films about environmental topics for his upcoming YouTube channel, building on his success at IOFF to reach a wider audience and inspire action to protect our planet.

Don’s dedication to raising awareness about phytoplankton and his passion for storytelling through film are an inspiration to all of us. We can't wait to see what he creates next!