The Dumpster Dive

SYNOPSIS

In The Dumpster Dive, cockroach news hosts Howard Scourge and Madison Von Vermin report on how microplastics could have dire consequences for their species’ biggest nuisance: humans. Toeing the line between documentary and fiction, this hybrid film combines expert testimonials, collage animation, puppetry, and real live cockroaches.

INTERESTED IN SCREENING?

We work with GOOD DOCS on educational distribution for The Dumpster Dive. If you are interested in purchasing or streaming the film for an educational institution listed below, please visit this website link for more information. You can also contact GOOD DOCS directly at outreach@gooddocs.net with any questions about buying the film.

The film is available to the following institutions and organizations:

  • Universities

  • Four-Year Colleges

  • High Schools

  • Community Colleges

  • Nonprofits / Community Groups

  • For-Profits / Corporations

  • Public Libraries

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Laura Asherman (Director/Writer/Editor/Animator) is a Southeast Emmy-winning documentary filmmaker, stop-motion animator, and educator based in Atlanta. Blending documentary and fiction, her recent films use hybrid storytelling techniques to explore interpersonal relationships and the Anthropocene with a sense of humor. She earned her MFA in Experimental and Documentary Arts from Duke University in 2023 and now serves as Director of Ethics and the Arts and instructor of film at Emory University. Laura’s films have screened at New Orleans, Riverrun, Cucalorus, Sidewalk, Maryland, Phoenix, and the Atlanta Jewish Film Festivals. Her recent short, Border Dweller Love, received an Honorable Mention in animation at the 2025 New Orleans Film Festival. 

Team

Laura Asherman

Anca Vlasan

Anca Vlasan (Writer) After growing up in Miami, Anca moved to Atlanta where she became a Writer/Producer at Adult Swim. Independently, Anca also writes, directs, and animates short films under her own production company, Some Blonde Girl Productions. 

Now based in LA, Anca is currently writing on an unannounced Netflix show. She has previously written for Hulu, Netflix, and Adult Swim, on adult animated shows like Koala Man, Conquest, YOLO: Crystal Fantasy, and Birdgirl. In both live-action and animation, Anca’s work features female-driven comedy with a dark, surreal twist.