Ripple Effect film project

The research consortium Ecosystem Impacts of Oil and Gas Inputs to the Gulf includes 29 researchers from 15 institutions and is led by ­Samantha Joye, Athletic Association Professor in Arts and Sciences in UGA's marine sciences department. In addition to cutting-edge scientific research on the Gulf of Mexico, a primary goal of the consortium is to engage with the public about the group's scientific activities and the importance of healthy ocean systems.

The Ripple Effect Film Project is accepting short films and public service announcement ­submissions through Jan. 31 that focus on the 2017 theme "ocean connections." Submissions are open to filmmakers of all ages and abilities from around Georgia.

The need to take activism to broader levels than ever is giving rise to new creative ingenuity on the part of our faculty and staff. Joye as well as many others are claiming this space for the public and the public good. Film projects and competitions are great public platforms that show while they bring us together and knit strong emotional connections to events and issues. I've got an idea - how about you? Grab your camera and some friends and hit the coast. Making movies is fun.