Sustainable

A documentary investigating America's impending food crisis. Synopsis: America is facing a food crisis driven by profitability and a lack of consumer education. While the window to transforming our heartland continues to shrink, passionate individuals have emerged who provide hope that the health of our nation might still remain within our grasp. Sustainable is a documentary film that weaves together expert analysis of America’s food system with a powerful narrative of one extraordinary farmer who is determined to create a sustainable future for his community. In a region dominated by commodity crops, Marty Travis has managed to maintain a farming model that is both economically viable and environmentally safe. Through his example and various expert interviews, the film will explore options for reversing the issues facing America’s heartland.

Matt Wechsler/2016/92 min/Food-Agriculture

FILM DESCRIPTION: A vital investigation of the economic and environmental instability of America’s food system, from the agricultural issues we face — soil loss, water depletion, climate change, pesticide use — to the community of leaders who are determined to fix it. Sustainable is a film about the land, the people who work it and what must be done to sustain it for future generations.

The narrative of the film focuses on Marty Travis, a seventh-generation farmer in central Illinois who watched his land and community fall victim to the pressures of big agribusiness. Determined to create a proud legacy for his son, Marty transforms his profitless wasteland and pioneers the sustainable food movement in Chicago.

Saturday, March 4, 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. [W Suburbs]
Lake Theatre, 1022 Lake St., Oak Park
Admission $6

Stay for post-film "good food" discussion with filmmaker Matt Wechsler and Marty Travis from Spence Farm. Learn about action opportunities for individuals and families through Sugar Beet Food Coop, Sugar Beet Schoolhouse (teaching families how to grow, buy, and cook healthy food), and Carnivore (local, sustainable meat and fish purveyor). Discussion facilitator: Jim Slama, Founder and CEO FamilyFarmed and Good Food Business Accelerator. Afterwards, purchase a lunch of locally sourced meats from the Ministry of Sandwiches food truck!