“Food, Inc.”, 2008
Director: Robert Kenner
This powerful documentary delves into the environmental and ethical issues surrounding the U.S. food industry, revealing how large corporations often put profit ahead of consumer health, the livelihood of the American farmer, and the safety of workers and our environment. It sheds light on the unsustainable practices of factory farming and its detrimental effects on both our health and the planet.
Starring: Eric Schlosser, Richard Lobb, Vince Edwards, Carole Morison, Michael Pollan, Troy Poush, Larry Johnson, Allen Trenkle, Barbara Kowalcyk, Patricia Buck;
Production year: 2008;
Genre: documentary, news;
MPAA rating: pg;
Duration: 94 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,8;
More information about the film “Food, Inc.” on the website imdb.com
“The Biggest Little Farm”, 2018
Director: John Chester
Chronicling the eight-year quest of John and Molly Chester as they trade city living for 200 acres of barren farmland and a dream to harvest in harmony with nature, this film is a testament to the complexity of sustainable farming and the environmental benefits of adopting such practices.
Starring: John Chester, Molly Chester, Matthew Pilachowski;
Production year: 2018;
Genre: documentary;
MPAA rating: pg;
Duration: 91 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 8;
More information about the film “The Biggest Little Farm” on the website imdb.com
“Our Daily Bread”, 1934
Director: King Vidor
This documentary provides a visually stunning, non-verbal, and often unsettling look at industrial food production and high-tech agriculture, aiming to illuminate the environmental impact and ethical considerations surrounding the production of the food we eat.
Starring: Karen Morley, Tom Keene, Barbara Pepper, Addison Richards, John Qualen, Lloyd Ingraham, Sidney Bracey, Henry Hall, Nellie V. Nichols, Frank Minor;
Production year: 1934;
Genre: drama, melodrama;
Duration: 90 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7;
More information about the film “Our Daily Bread” on the website imdb.com
“Cowspiracy: The Sustainability Secret”, 2014
Director: Kip Andersen, Keegan Kuhn
Focusing on the impact of animal agriculture on the environment, this documentary film explores how this industry is a leading cause of deforestation, water consumption, and pollution, it calls for a global shift towards a vegan lifestyle to combat environmental degradation.
Starring: Bruce Hamilton, Kip Andersen, Al Gore, Heather Cooley, Manucher Alemi, Kamyar Guivetchi, Richard Oppenlander, Kirk R. Smith, Demosthenes Maratos, Will Tuttle;
Production year: 2014;
Genre: documentary, news;
Duration: 90 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 8,1;
“A Plastic Ocean”, 2016
Director: Craig Leeson
While primarily centered on the issue of plastic pollution in our oceans, this film touches on its interconnection with the food industry, particularly through the lens of how seafood becomes contaminated by plastics and what that means for food safety and the environment.
Starring: David Attenborough, Sylvia Earle Ph.D., Ben Fogle, Craig Leeson, Jo Ruxton, Gary Stokes, Tanya Streeter, Ivan Varela;
Production year: 2016;
Genre: documentary;
Duration: 102 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 8;
More information about the film “A Plastic Ocean” on the website imdb.com
“Food Chains”, 2014
Director: Sanjay Rawal
This film sheds light on the issue of agricultural labor in the United States, focusing on the exploitation of farmworkers within the tomato industry. It discusses the broader implications of food production practices on both human and environmental health.
Starring: Eve Ensler, Barry Estabrook, Dolores Huerta, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Kerry Kennedy, Eva Longoria, Alma Martinez, Eric Schlosser, Forest Whitaker;
Production year: 2014;
Genre: documentary;
Duration: 83 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,1;
More information about the film “Food Chains” on the website imdb.com
These films, through various lenses, all contribute to the ongoing dialogue about how we might reconcile our need to feed a growing global population with the necessity of preserving the environment for future generations.
In conclusion, films about food and the environment play a vital role in enlightening audiences on the intricate connections between our consumption choices and the world we inhabit. Through a blend of vivid storytelling, emotional resonance and often startling revelations, these cinematic works challenge our perceptions, incite conversations and inspire action towards a more sustainable future. They not only expose the hidden impacts of industrial agriculture and the global food system but also celebrate the beauty and simplicity of local, organic and eco-friendly practices. By showcasing the personal tales of farmers, chefs, activists, and everyday individuals, these films serve as a compelling call to the plate, urging us to consider the environmental consequences of our dietary culture and to harness our collective power to foster a healthier planet for generations to come.
