Paper Wars Short Documentary Film Raises Awareness on Climate Legislation and Job Loss.
PRESS RELEASE For Immediate Release
Paper Wars Mini-Documentary Film Raises Awareness on Climate Legislation and Job Loss.
Portland, OR. / December 29, 2022 / Hungry Fish Media / – The Association of Western Pulp and Paper Workers Union (AWPPW), has officially released a short documentary film titled The Paper Wars. The Film, produced in partnership with Hungry Fish Media and Pacific Northwest Regional Strategies, LLC is directed by Jay Hix Jones and feature’s locations in Washington and Oregon.
The recent passage of the Climate Commitment Act by the Washington State Legislature during the 2021 Legislative Session officially created a Cap and Invest Program aimed at reducing carbon emissions into the atmosphere. The program, originally requested by Governor Jay Inslee places significant restrictions on the emitters of carbon emissions and will eventually cause the loss of thousands of family-wages, union-backed jobs in Washington state alone.
The Paper Wars Movie provides a look into the unintended impacts of the Climate Commitment Act and the potential for catastrophic job loss due to its passage. The film is intended to educate the public both in Washington State and across the nation, as other legislatures bring up the topic during their sessions. “It is important that the legislators understand the impact that their legislation has on the workers and entire industries,” said Greg Pallesen President of AWPPW.
Jay Hix Jones, the film's Executive Producer & Director has worked for years in television and on Emmy winning shows like Ice Road truckers, Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, and is currently a producer on the A&E hit series, Hoarders. "This is an issue that has a real impact on the future of tens of thousands of workers and their families," said Jones. The documentary was co-executive produced by two former pulp and paper industry workers that actually lost their jobs because of the pressures brought on by the increased regulatory burden on the industry. "To have that perspective behind the camera, as well as talking to folks most at risk was extremely powerful", explained Jones.
The hardworking men and women that make up the pulp and paper industry both here in the Pacific Northwest and across the United States are proud contributors to the local economy. "Our members work hard to support their families and they take great pride iin supporting the community", added AWPPW Vice-President Scott Tift. In addition to producing some of the nations most in demand products like cardboard, paper towels and bath tissue, they also support the broader communities that surround their facilities. "There are so many non-profit organizations that rely heavily on the donations and support of the mills and their employees," said Sean O Sullivan who worked for more than 35 years as a machine tender before his mill closed its doors in 2012.
The short documentary will be hitting the 2023 film festival circuit and will also be shared with local, state, and federal governments and elected leaders so they are aware of the potentially devastating impacts that carbon reduction legislation can have on jobs and communities. "Our message: We don't want to see any more jobs fall victim to the collateral damage of the Paper Wars," said Pallesen.
##
Hungry Fish Media (HFM) is an award-winning multimedia company founded by Jones in 2013 with offices in historic downtown Snohomish, WA. We are creative professionals passionate about telling stories that impact the human spirit and affect change. For media inquiries, contact HFM Vice President of Development Josh Estes at Josh@HungryFishMedia.org
