Fresh, a film by director Ana Sofia Joanes, asks the viewer to consider everything that goes into the foods we consume- from farm to table.
Organic lettuce grown by Growing Power, Inc.
Photo courtesy Will Allen
There probably isn’t anyone who would disagree that a wake up call is needed out there in some realm or another.
Discord and lack of harmony have become so widespread, where do we even start?
The environment, the economy, our health and spirituality- even what’s going on within our own mind. The list can go on and on.
Fresh steps up andtackles the core issue behind much of the mayhem we’re facing out there- Everything has become so damned disconnected!
It is much more than just a documentary about our food supply and how we eat. It brilliantly uses the food system as a point of reference to tackle this deep issue that lurks behind so many things.
Food is a core issue in everyone’s lives and a basic human need- We all need to eat!
By changing our food system we could literally change the world.
This is why director Ana Joanes (of Generation Meds fame) created a documentary that celebrates the farmers, thinkers, and business people across America who are re-inventing our system.
The deeper essence of the film can potentially instill a sense of empowerment back to the individual. Ana Joanes states:
“Much of what is shown to us in the media is negative and over time makes us feel powerless to make any real changes. This movie connects us to a positive trend and helps to create a healthy shift in perspective”
This shift can connect us to greater aspects of ourselves, each other, and the environment- the circle of life.
Growing Power, Inc. Photo courtesy Will Allen
Fresh, in a sense, picks up where “Food Inc.” leaves off.
Food Inc. focuses mostly on the glaring issues with our food supply and the industrialized system.
Fresh summarizes this and offers examples of visionaries who are creating positive changes from different angles: From Joel Salatin’s pasture fed organic farm that runs circles around his neighbor’s conventional farm, to an oasis of goodness and social activism featuring Will Allen’s ingenious urban agricultural compound- maximum benefit with minimum space and input.
When I saw the deep sincerity of Will Allen proudly showing off his nutrient dense “Black Gold” (fertilizer, made by earth worms from discarded food waste from the city of Milwaukee) to his guests, I was really touched to the core. I was re-reminded that the integrity of our soil is tied in so much to our health and well being. Our conventional produce is up to 40%less nutritious than 50 years ago. This is due to our soil being stripped and damaged from pesticides and overfarming.
When you buy non-organic produce you have to realize the downside is more than just rinsing off the pesticides. It’s supporting a system that is exploiting our soil and creating less nutrient dense food as time passes. Where will we be in 25 years? 50 years? These are questions we need to ask ourselves.
The film sheds light on the fact there are no short cuts and cheap food really is an illusion. Michael Pollan, Omnivore's Dilemma, states that if the cost doesn’t show up at the register, the real cost of this food shows up somewhere else: Our environment, depleting nutrients from our soil, our health and well being, to our money subsidizing all the soy and corn that goes into everything (high fructose corn syrup, corn for cattle, soy for cattle and soy oil).
Omnivore's Dilemma by Michael Pollan
Let’s face it- our food supply and diet have changed more in the last 50 years than in the last 5,000. Ninety percent of the food we consume is processed and/or fast foods. If that sounds far fetched, then just take a stroll through your conventional supermarket and eating establishments and take a tally.
Five food corporations control 90% of this processed food we are consuming. These corporations only allegiance is to their stockholder’s bottom line. Our health and the environment does not factor into the equation, as this is not their concern.
A conventional farmer in the movie clearly states that the modern method isn’t good for the farmers, the community, the environment, or the consumer. Hmm, so if it’s not good for anyone, whois it good for? That would be the food corporations who created this fragmented system in the first place.
Cheaper, bigger, faster, and bottom line is the mantra for these corporations and we are stuck with the bill. The bill being the rapid break down in our health, mental well being, and the many environmental red alerts that are occurring since the advent of the industrial conventional food system.
The subject matter Fresh brings up is quite intense. The movie works on shaking us up though, not “shelling us over”– Enlightening us to the fact this flawed system can be completely replaced by medium sized organics and in essence, change the world. This only makes sense, as it’s as nature intended.
There is a positive ripple effect going on, and this movie shows great examples of the strides that are taking place. It gives you hope, aspirations, and ideas about taking on a new mindset when it comes to your food.
A revolution is happening and the main factor in having it really catch fire is you! And yes, I’m talking to you (wink).
The second aspect which makes Fresh so revolutionary is its distribution system.
Ana and crew have strong feelings about not wanting you to watch this movie all by your lonesome!
The goal of this creation is to transform information into action. Part of claiming our personal power is realizing we’re not alone. By watching it with family, or a group, this maximizes the potential that your new information and enthusiasm can be transformed into pro-active measures.
The website states how to obtain a copy and host a screening.
I urge everyone to go to the website, at least watch the trailer and join the mailing list.
From the mailing list, they will notify you when DVD’s go on individual sale.
Education is key- Veggie, vegan, or omnivore, the information in this documentary is for you. There is no skirting the issues brought up by this film. You are drawn into it by the next bite of food you take- the choice is yours.
Adam is a Reiki Master, certified Health and Lifestyle counselor, Licensed Massage Therapist, 20 year practicing bramana initiated Bhakti Yogi, Spiritual advisor, visionary, jock and veteran of the “hardcore punk scene” all rolled into one. Adam is the founder of Omkara World and produced the mind/body fitness DVD “Intelligent Fitness."
Click here for Adams past article archive.
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