Guatemalan Film “Plasticósfera” Wins at Tulum Festival
Guatemalan documentary Plasticósfera wins at the Tulum Festival 2025, highlighting the country’s growing voice in global environmental awareness.
The Guatemalan documentary Plasticósfera, directed by photographer and filmmaker Sergio Izquierdo, has been honored at the Tulum World Environment Film Festival (TWEFF) 2025.
The production won in the Research Exploration category, sharing the recognition with films from India and Germany. The award marks another milestone for Guatemalan cinema and its growing role in raising environmental awareness on a global scale.
A Celebration of Environmental Filmmaking
Founded to promote films committed to sustainability and ecological awareness, the Tulum Festival has become an international platform for artistic expression and environmental advocacy. Each year, it awards short and feature-length films across more than 15 categories, highlighting themes such as climate change, wildlife conservation, human rights, and nature research.
Upon announcing the win, the organization Rescue The Planet, which spearheaded the documentary, celebrated the recognition with a heartfelt message on social media:
“This award fills us with joy and confirms that all the work done with so much love and dedication has been worth it — and continues to inspire change. Thank you to our entire Rescue Team!”
An Expedition for Ocean Health
Plasticósfera is a project by Rescue The Planet, directed and produced by Sergio Izquierdo, in co-production with Guatemalan filmmaker Kenneth Müller. The documentary follows Izquierdo and a team of Latin American environmentalists and scientists on an expedition to study the impact of plastic pollution on the oceans.
The journey took place along the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, the world’s second-largest coral reef system, spanning the coasts of Honduras, Guatemala, Belize, and Mexico. Throughout the voyage, the crew documented the devastating effects of plastic waste on marine life, coastal ecosystems, and even human health.
The production has already received international recognition, including a World Summit Award in the Clean and Green Energy category, positioning it as a global champion in environmental awareness and education.
Rescue The Planet: Where Art Meets Science
Rescue The Planet was born from a personal experience of Izquierdo, who joined a scientific expedition from Bermuda to Iceland aboard a sailboat. Over 23 days, the team collected microplastic samples across the Atlantic, uncovering alarming levels of ocean pollution.
Moved by the findings, Izquierdo partnered with Rocío Ruiz, a writer for National Geographic Traveler, to found Rescue The Planet. Their mission: to protect biodiversity and combat misinformation from the plastics industry through photography, film, and communication.
“Our goal is to inspire positive change by showing the natural beauty we risk losing,” said Izquierdo. “We want people to feel connected to the planet and take action against pollution, climate change, and species loss.”
The recognition of Plasticósfera at the Tulum Festival reinforces the growing influence of Guatemalan filmmakers in the global conversation on environmental protection. Through its blend of science, storytelling, and visual artistry, the documentary not only exposes the urgent threat of plastic pollution but also invites audiences worldwide to take part in safeguarding the planet’s oceans for future generations.
