The Marjorie Luke Theatre will present "Out of Plain Sight," an investigative documentary, on Sunday, October 25, 2026, at 4:00 PM. The film is a central part of the theatre's ongoing Green Film Series, which aims to spark community conversation and connection regarding critical environmental issues. Following the screening, audiences will have the opportunity to engage with Rosanna Xia, the Los Angeles Times environmental reporter and Pulitzer Prize finalist featured in the film, and a panel of esteemed scientists during a post-film question-and-answer discussion.
"Out of Plain Sight" uncovers a little-known environmental disaster hidden beneath the waters off Southern California. The documentary traces the story back to UC Santa Barbara scientist David Valentine, whose discovery of a corroded barrel on the seafloor near Catalina Island initiated a broader investigation. This finding brought to light a significant environmental mystery and a troubling chapter in California’s history, explored through Xia’s reporting.
The documentary has garnered significant recognition, receiving over a dozen prominent film festival honors. These accolades include the Audience Choice Award at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival and the Jackson Wild Media Award for best investigative film. The screening marks the third year of the Green Film Series, an initiative dedicated to bringing environmental films, expert speakers, and community partners together. The series' goal is to foster dialogue and build connections around issues that impact both the planet and the local community.
Tickets for the screening are available through the theatre’s website. The event is a collaborative effort, with the staff at The Marjorie Luke Theatre organizing the presentation in conjunction with the Sciences & Biological Engineering Department at UC Santa Barbara. Noozhawk provides sponsorship for the event, assisting the theatre in reducing its marketing costs by fifty percent.
The theatre plans to continue its Green Film Series with another event scheduled for February 2027. This upcoming screening will focus on the fashion industry's significant role as a polluter. The February event is designed as a community gathering, involving partnerships with Alpha Resource Center, various Green Businesses, and other nonprofit organizations. It will feature a community clothing swap and an up-cycled fashion show, further engaging the community in environmental solutions and sustainability efforts.
