Burning Injustice
About This Film
Burning Injustice is a powerful short documentary that follows the inspiring journey of Latino activists, John Mataka and Bianca Lopez, as they expose the toxic pollution and devastating health consequences of one of the last trash incinerators in California in an effort to close the facility once and for all. Through their unwavering determination, they call for environmental justice and a safer future for their community and loved ones.
No Subsidies for Dirty Waste Incinerators!
Burning trash is not a climate solution. Incineration emits toxic air pollution, subjects local communities to adverse health impacts and perpetuates an unsustainable take-make-waste material economy. Now, with millions of dollars in federal funding available for real climate solutions, it’s time to stop false solutions. Tell the US Treasury: don’t provide climate subsidies or bailouts for polluting waste incinerators!
What does it feel like to live near an incinerator that burns trash? What are the impacts of our “managed” waste stream on people and planet?
Incinerators exist around the world as a form of waste management. The latest mini documentary from The Story of Stuff Project follows the story of one of 70+ incinerators in the United States, exposing the multigenerational fight led by our allies Valley Improvement Projects, to close a waste incinerator in California’s Central Valley.
Over 4 million Americans – disproportionately communities of color and those already overburdened by industrial pollution – live near waste incinerators. These communities experience a cocktail of pollutants, from high levels of particulate matter to dioxin, and chlorine; toxins associated with 20th-century chemical warfare.
Burning Injustice challenges the industry narrative around “waste to energy” via the lived experience of environmental justice communities in their fight for clean air.
Watch as these inspiring Central Valley activists expose the devastating health consequences behind one of the last trash incinerators in California in an effort to close the facility once and for all.
After being selected and shown at several film festivals including the Wild & Scenic Film Festival and the DC Environmental Film Festival, and winning the Audience Award for Best Short at the San Francisco Green Film Festival, we’re excited to finally release this short documentary to the public.
Victory!
In October 2024, we celebrated the success and news that the Stanislaus County Covanta plant—the last remaining garbage incinerator in California—will cease operations at the end of the year! This marks a major victory in the long fight against toxic waste incineration and for cleaner air and healthier communities.
To everyone who stood up, raised their voices, and fought for change—thank you. Storytelling like this matters. Together, we are creating a better future for people and the planet.
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Host a screening
The film is available for screenings for grassroots groups, community organizations, partners, prospective distributors and activists using the film for impact purposes. Please submit a short application to host a screening.
Credits
Director: Miguel Astudillo
Executive Producer: Michael O’Heaney
Producers: Miguel Astudillo, Elisa Ringholm, Sam Pearse
Featuring: John Mataka and Bianca Lopez, Valley Improvement Projects