With global fertility dropping more than 50% and increasing chronic disease, SURROUNDED - THE EDC BURDEN explores how endocrine disrupting chemicals are altering the health of humans, other species, and thus the planet.

In the feature-length documentary, we’ll examine the evolution of the chemical industry, its impact on every segment of life and the innovations that are emerging to re-set our lives and the planet.

We’ll visit with the non-profit organization The Ocean Cleanup as the Interceptor 007 ship collects trash in Ballona Creek in Los Angeles.

Interviews with the Dr. Shanna Swan of “Count Down” will reveal the research and findings of EDC’s effects on health.

The research team at the UCLA Samueli School of Engineering, Alissa Miki and Ari Mackler with Aqua Theon, and Jenna Hua with Million Marker will provide their expertise.

SURROUNDED - THE EDC BURDEN will educate, raise awareness and mobilize support to protect health. The burden can be decreased. There’s hope. Now is the time to make a change. We can all make a difference together.

Director/ Producer/Writer - Maria~Elena P. Pineda is an Emmy-nominated and award winning filmmaker. She started her broadcasting/production career while still in college by Field Producing for the international news service agency, Reuters Television. That led to working for numerous companies and productions including “Day & Date” (CBS), “Access Hollywood” (NBC), “Travel Daily” (Travel Channel/ Discovery Communications), “It’s a Miracle” (Pax Communications), “Snick House” (Nickelodeon), “Shabby Chic” (Style Channel/ E! Entertainment) and as a Consultant for the Location and Production Services unit at Universal Studios Hollywood. She formed the company Emerging Creation Productions (ECP), producing both independent films and films for clients.
Director of Photography - James Sullivan is a cinematographer, photographer and technician specializing in musical performance, live events, music videos, branded entertainment, and documentary programming . His work has earned him Emmy honors for Lighting and Set Design. He owns production company, 26 Rogues, providing video, photography, and post-production services to clients in Southern California and around the country.

Editor - Diana Jenkins is a Peabody and Emmy award winning Editor with a demonstrated history of working in the entertainment industry. Skilled in Avid Technology Products, Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut X, Documentaries, Editing, and Film and Television Production. Some of her work includes: History Channel, A&E Network, SYFY Network, NBC Universal, and Warner Brothers.

Research - Over his last ten years in Radiology , David T. Nelson developed a medical 3D printing service using CAT scans and MRIs to create personalized anatomical models for research, training and patient care. Retired from UCLA after 38 years, David started in patient care working the last 28 years for the Department of Radiological Sciences as the director of multi-media services. In this capacity, he was responsible for producing photos, videos, graphic arts, and layouts for publishing, education, marketing, patents, outreach materials and podcasts. He also provided medical and patent research for the department.