Picture : Think-Film CEO Danielle Turkov (left) hosts a high-powered film & policy conversation at the European Parliament with (from left) Mark Ruffalo, Rob Bilott, Todd Haynes
Inspired by a shocking true story, Hollywood star Mark Ruffalo plays US corporate defense attorney Rob Bilott as he exposes the corporate cover-up behind PFOA-contaminated drinking water – a toxic “forever chemical” linked to lasting human health effects and global environmental harm.
Think-Film launched a high-powered campaign ahead of the film’s UK and European theatrical releases that ultimately delivered an estimated $10M+ global social economic value.
- High-visibility talent advocacy spurred the EU to ban PFAS – To press home the toxic effects of PFAS “forever chemicals” we convened a major public screening for 600+ stakeholders, high-visibility policy panel event (photo above), and closed-door exchange for film talent with the European Parliament President.
- 85 million social media impressions in 24 hours of Mark Ruffalo’s European Parliament speech ignited global media coverage of the film and its impact messages.
- 120+ corporations and brands have now stopped using PFAS – Launched with expert partner Chemsec and just two initial partners, major “No To PFAS” pledge signatories include H&M, Lacoste, Ralph Lauren, Ikea.
- The environmental impact message contributed 35% of UK opening weekend box office, and was audiences’ No.2 reason to see the film.
- In the UK, we turned audiences into activists with 10.000 petition signatures demanding supermarkets make packaging PFAS-free.
- Further impact actions, including with the World Health Organization, sparked a commitment to 12 months of PFAS coverage from The Guardian US, supporting a second (successful) U.S. streaming release, and leading to wider investigative journalism and ongoing issue coverage globally.
Think-Film’s impact actions made Dark Waters a unique cultural moment – with lasting effect. The film’s impact continues today, with legacy media coverage and ongoing audience VOD sales and streaming (Netflix top-10 in 13+ countries).
