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The Accidental Activist

A film examining the people, pollution, and politics surrounding Ontario dump and lime corporations.

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The Accidental Activist

The Accidental Activist

The Accidental Activist

The Accidental Activist

The Accidental Activist

A film examining the people, pollution, and politics surrounding Ontario dump and lime corporations.

A film examining the people, pollution, and politics surrounding Ontario dump and lime corporations.

A film examining the people, pollution, and politics surrounding Ontario dump and lime corporations.

A film examining the people, pollution, and politics surrounding Ontario dump and lime corporations.

Peter Lilly
Peter Lilly
Peter Lilly
Peter Lilly
1 Campaign |
Beachville, Woodstock, Ingersoll, Canada
$1,112 USD $1,112 USD by 27 backers
$1,077 USD by 26 backers on May 2, 2015

About the Project

The towns of Ingersoll, Beachville, and Woodstock have been home to aggregate lime quarries for decades. The pollution and health concerns have reached a critical point, yet the Ministry of Environment has failed to release reports for over 10 years despite the visible pollution in the area.

The air around the lime quarry.


Now, the aggregate companies plan to turn the Ingersoll quarry into the GTA’s garbage dump, which would make it the fourth largest dump in Canada. This would be the greatest insult to locals who are already suffering. The site is beside the Thames River and the local town wells, and is subject to expansion. This dump cannot be allowed to happen. The Ministry of Environment and the Canadian government – our government – have continuously failed to hold aggregate companies accountable, and we question their priorities. It also sets a disturbing precedent to we who hold this entire country’s land so dear.

The proposed site.


It is time to bring this issue to light in a big way.  We will set this documentary against a backdrop of stark natural beauty that is being destroyed by corporate interests. We want to tell the real truth. We will show the stories of the people who have lived through this. We want to bring irrefutable facts and evidence to light while peering into the uncertain future. We want to give a voice to all who oppose the dump.

Cleaning the eavestrough.


We want the film to be seen online and at film festivals. We also want to pitch it to broadcasting networks. To create our vision and to deliver a production of the highest quality, we must raise $1500 to cover our production expenses.


What We Need

We are Ryerson film students. The school does not fund our films, nor do they provide the caliber of equipment we need in order to achieve the production value we want. This subject deserves nothing less than the highest quality of production, as it will give weight to our voice.

A number of generous donations have already cut the budget down significantly, but we are still aiming to raise $1500 to cover our camera, equipment, transportation, insurance/legal protection, and festival/distribution costs. With your contributions you can help support a film that will create debate and action on an issue that affects the livelihoods of countless people.


About Us

Tess Sorochan-Ruland - Director

Tess grew up in Woodstock, Ontario, the subject of the lime quarry and dump has deeply affected Tess and her family. She seeks to put a stop to it before it can go any further, and has found that film can have a powerful and far-reaching voice. She wants her film to raise awareness and bring more people to the cause, creating a declaration that nobody can ignore. 

Peter Lilly - Producer

Peter has produced a number of powerful activism campaigns over the past year. His recent credits include the online human rights series #HearOurStory and the national commercial for Egale’s ‘Out At Night’. He wants this project to have the same level of social and emotional depth that these earlier films attained.   

Kurtis Chen – Cinematographer

With a background in film and advertising, Kurtis specializes in creating powerful films and branded content that leave an impact on the viewer. He is exceptional at giving a project scope and quality without losing the human element of the story.

Victoria Shupp – Sound Technician

Currently studying sound at Ryerson, Victoria has been present with Tess for the initial exploration of the dump. She is eager to continue working to bring the issue to light. 


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Special Thanks

Currency Conversion $7 USD
$10 CAD
You will receive a special thanks in the credits at the end of the film.
2 claimed

Private Screening Link

Currency Conversion $17 USD
$25 CAD
We'll send you a password protected link to watch the film.
5 claimed

Receive a Copy of the Film

Currency Conversion $35 USD
$50 CAD
You will receive a dvd copy of the film.
5 claimed

Associate Producer

Currency Conversion $70 USD
$100 CAD
You will receive an associate producer credit on the film. You will get an IMDB page.
6 claimed

Executive Producer Credit

Currency Conversion $348 USD
$500 CAD
You will receive an executive producer credit on the film. You will get an IMDB page with said credit.
0 claimed
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