Just time for a quick hitter today because between Vacation Bible School and preparations for the construction of our porch I’m a bit busy. But, I did want to pose a question and see if any one is interested in throwing in their two cents. Here is my question:
Recently on the Epi-Log there were back-to-back posts reviewing the upcoming documentary, “Food, Inc.”. Before that there was a write up on the documentary, “Fresh”. I have written about both of these films here on the blog (and many others) and I have to admit that I’m pretty fond of a good documentary, but do you think films like this are a good way to spread the message that we can have a different food system? I must admit that when I first saw previews of “King Corn” I thought I would hate it … turns out I LOVED it … but, I wonder what it would or what it is going to take to make an impression outside of the larger cities or metropolitan areas? Do you think films like this will help or do you think that most Americans are so set in their ways that it is going to take an experience to really change their minds?
I do think that most of the recent “food/farming” films have been a help in getting the discussion going and creating a platform for it, but I am curious as to what the next step is…
I, too, did a blog about Food Inc.
http://holdfastseeker.blogspot.com/2009/06/food-inc-movie-to-watch.html
although I haven’t seen it yet, unfortunately not coming to my city for another 2 weeks.
I think getting the message out there is a good thing, and if we’re lucky it will reach more people than if no one did documentaries at all. Word around Boston is there’s a very steep rise in the number of Locavores, so something must be working…..
-kate
I can’t wait to see this film and Fresh. I think it does the job of reaching a national audience. It is a conversation starter not a solution. These film are limited by time, to be able to express the complexity of the issues and the specifics of each community. The responsibility is left with the viewer to learn, research and change.
I’m not sure what the benefit will be. This film will probably draw those who already agree, rather than bringing in people ignorant of the issues. Supersize Me got some people talking, and yes you can buy fruit at McDonald’s now, but has it changed much of anything? I’m not opposed to the movie, certainly, and hopefully it can send someone to a local farmer’s market.