Food

The Biggest Little Farm

The Biggest Little Farm

John Chester/2018/91 min/Sustainable Food & Agriculture, Environmental Advocacy, People & Culture

Sunday, March 8, 5 p.m.
[Central]
Cruz Blanca Brewery & Taqueria, Chicago
View & Brew

POSTPONED
Friday, March 13, 6:30 p.m.
[W Suburbs]
Good Earth Greenhouse, River Forest

FILM DESCRIPTION: “The Biggest Little Farm” chronicles the 8-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. Through dogged perseverance and embracing the opportunity provided by nature's conflicts, the Chesters unlock and uncover a biodiverse design for living that exists far beyond their farm, its seasons, and our wildest imaginations. Featuring breathtaking cinematography, captivating animals, and an urgent message to heed Mother Nature’s call, “The Biggest Little Farm” provides us all a vital blueprint for better living and a healthier planet.

The Game Changers

The Game Changers

Louie Psihoyos/2018/85 mins/People & Culture, Health & the Environment, Sustainable Food & Agriculture

Saturday, March 7, 10 a.m. [W Suburbs]
Classic Cinemas Lake Theatre, Oak Park

FILM DESCRIPTION: Directed by Oscar®-winning documentary filmmaker Louie Psihoyos and executive produced by James Cameron, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Jackie Chan, Lewis Hamilton, Novak Djokovic, and Chris Paul, “The Game Changers” tells the story of James Wilks—elite Special Forces trainer and The Ultimate Fighter winner—as he travels the world on a quest to uncover the optimal diet for human performance. Showcasing elite athletes, special ops soldiers, visionary scientists, cultural icons, and everyday heroes, what James discovers permanently changes his understanding of food and his definition of true strength.

The Need to Grow

The Need to Grow

Rob Herring and Ryan Wirick/2019/96 min/Sustainable Food & Agriculture, Climate Change

Monday, March 9, 6 p.m. [Kane County]
Action Fair 6 p.m., Film 7 p.m.
Waubonsee Community College, Aurora

CHICAGO-AREA PREMIERE. FILM DESCRIPTION: In a race against the end of farmable soil, three individuals fight for change in the industry of agricultural food production, calling for a revolution. "The Need to Grow" delivers alarming evidence on the importance of healthy soil — revealing not only the potential of localized food production working with nature, but our opportunity as individuals to help regenerate our planet’s dying soils and participate in the restoration of the Earth.

Right to Harm

Right to Harm

Annie Speicher & Matt Wechsler/2019/75 min/Sustainable Food & Agriculture, Health & the Environment , Environmental & Social Justice, Water

Sunday, March 8, 2:30 p.m. [South]
Trinity United Church of Christ, Chicago

Monday, March 9, 6:30 p.m. [Central]
Northwestern University, Chicago

FILM DESCRIPTION: Through the riveting stories of five American communities, “Right to Harm” exposes the devastating public health impact that factory farming has on many of our country's most disadvantaged citizens. Known formally as Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations—or CAFOs—these facilities produce millions of gallons of untreated waste that destroy the quality of life for nearby neighbors. Fed up with the lack of regulation, these citizens-turned-activists band together from across the country to demand justice.

Seasons of Change on Henry's Farm

Seasons of Change on Henry's Farm

Ines Sommer/2019/83 min/Food & Agriculture, Climate Change

Sunday, March 8, 1 p.m. [Dupage County]
Elmhurst College, Elmhurst

CANCELED BY PATAGONIA
Thursday, March 12, 5:30 p.m.
[Central]
Reception 5:30 p.m., Film 6:30 p.m.
Patagonia Chicago, Magnificent Mile
Admission $20
View & Brew

FILM DESCRIPTION: For a quarter-century, Henry Brockman has worked alongside nature to grow delicious organic vegetables on his idyllic Midwestern farm. But farming takes a toll on his aging body and Henry dreams of scaling back. While his former apprentices run the farm, Henry spends a “fallow year” with his wife Hiroko in Japan. But things don’t turn out as planned, and Henry must grapple with the future of farming in a changing climate on personal, generational, and global levels.

UseLess: A Documentary on Food & Fashion Waste

UseLess: A Documentary on Food & Fashion Waste

Rakel Garðarsdóttir & Ágústa M. Ólafsdóttir/2018/55 min/Environmental & Social Justice, People & Culture, Waste & Recycling , Sustainable Food & Agriculture, Conservation

Saturday, March 7, 10 a.m. [North]
Pickwick Theatre, Park Ridge
Admission $8

POSTPONED
Saturday, March 14, 11 a.m.
[West]
Garfield Park Conservatory, Chicago

CHICAGO-AREA PREMIERE. FILM DESCRIPTION: In the documentary "UseLess," the filmmakers try to find out why food and fashion waste has become a pressing social and environmental problem, and what we can do to change it. The documentary is seen through the eyes of a young Icelandic mother who is trying to understand the issues and change her ways. Interviews with experts, designers, activists, and producers shed light on the problem as well as offer many solutions to the audience.

Watermelon Magic (Ages 3 to 8+)

Watermelon Magic (Ages 3 to 8+)

Richard Power Hoffman/2013/38 min/Family, Sustainable Food & Agriculture

POSTPONED
Saturday, March 14, 8:45 a.m.
[W Suburbs]
Thatcher Woods Pavilion, River Forest

FILM DESCRIPTION: “Watermelon Magic” chronicles a season on the family farm, as Sylvie grows a patch of watermelons to sell at market. With time, patience, and tender loving care, Sylvie nurtures the seeds from tender sprouts to sprawling vines and flowers that become the fruit that she harvests. But when it's time to say goodbye to her watermelon babies, can she part with them? Journey with Sylvie as she learns how to care for plants in various stages, discovers the magic of growing healthy food in her garden, and realizes the greatest joy of all: sharing.