‘Invasion of the Bucket Snatchers’ is a powerful short documentary that shines a much-needed light on the vital work of Code of Return Compost, a grassroots composting initiative in Savannah, Georgia. With a runtime of just 7-minutes, director Nina Miller manages to present an engaging and educational film that is both informative and visually impressive.
The film opens with striking cinematography – birds glide above a vast landfill, setting the tone for a short that is both sobering and purposeful. What follows is a well-paced and carefully edited look into the daily operations of a community-driven organization that has transformed over one million pounds of food waste into usable soil in just five years.
Miller, who also composed the film’s elegant piano score, gives the documentary a polished, almost poetic rhythm. The music softens the harder truths on display, while the film’s structure allows complex topics like sustainability, landfill overflow, and soil regeneration to be presented clearly and accessibly.
Featuring Michael Wedum, Maria Vaughan, and their dedicated team of volunteers, the film highlights the power of local action. These individuals are restoring a natural cycle that’s been overlooked in modern life. Their commitment feels not only admirable but essential.
Though it deals with environmental issues that are often difficult to confront, ‘Invasion of the Bucket Snatchers’ maintains a hopeful outlook. The message is clear: change is possible, and it often starts small – with buckets, community, and a commitment to something better.
This is a smart, finely crafted short film with real-world relevance. Highly recommended for anyone interested in sustainability, environmental advocacy, or the quiet impact of local solutions.
