Out of Plain Sight is a 2024 American documentary film directed by Daniel Straub and Rosanna Xia. Produced by L.A. Times Studios, the documentary unveils the hidden environmental catastrophe just beyond Southern California's shores. It had its world premiere on November 16, 2024, at DOC NYC.
The film won Audience Choice Award at the 40th Santa Barbara International Film Festival on February 15, 2025. It also received the Shared Earth Foundation Award at the Environmental Film Festival in the Nation's Capital, the Best Feature award at the International Wildlife Film Festival, the Special Jury Award for Environmental Justice at Mendocino Film Festival, and the Audience Award and an Honorable Mention from the jury at Berkshire International Film Festival.
Summary.
The subject of the documentary is UCSB professor David Valentine's discovery of toxic dumping grounds off the coast of Southern California. It follows Rosanna Xia as she investigates Valentine's initial shocking discovery and the even more alarming revelations that came afterward.
Release.
"Out of Plain Sight" premiered at the Doc NYC on November 16, 2024, in the Investigation section. It was screened at the 40th Santa Barbara International Film Festival on February 7, 2025.
The film also featured in Special Screening – Opening Night at the 31st Slamdance Film Festival on February 20, 2025 in the Spotlight Features.
It closed the Environmental Film Festival in the Nation's Capital, held in Washington, D.C., on March 29, 2025.
Reception.
Steve Kopian writing on Unseen Films described the film as "One of the best films of DOC NYC and of 2024". Andy Howell, writing for Film Threat, said the film "dramatically illustrates both the importance and process of science and journalism, at a time when both are under attack."