The Hunter College New York Food Policy Center has compiled a list of films and television shows released last year that highlight various aspects of our food system. So as we patiently wait for spring, curl up on your couch and learn more about how to achieve a more sustainable and equitable food system.
Big Little Farm
Description: “The Biggest Little Farm chronicles 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. 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 imagination. 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.” (IFC Center)
Website: https://www.biggestlittlefarmmovie.com
Rating: 91% on Rotten Tomatoes; 8.1 out of 10 on IMDb
Where it can be viewed: Rent or buy on Fandango Now or Apple
Release date: May 2019
Diet Fiction
Description: “This film exposes the most popular diets on the planet as well as several misconceptions about weight loss and nutrition. The film follows the audacious filmmaker Michal Siewierski (Food Choices) in his treacherous journey.” (IMBd)
Website: N/A
Rating: 5.4 out of 10 on IMBd
Where it can be viewed: Amazon Prime or Apple
Release date: January 2019
Fantastic Fungi
Description: “Fantastic Fungi, directed by Louie Schwartzberg, is a consciousness-shifting film that takes us on an immersive journey through time and scale into the magical earth beneath our feet, an underground network that can heal and save our planet. Through the eyes of renowned scientists and mycologists like Paul Stamets, best-selling authors Michael Pollan, Eugenia Bone, Andrew Weil and others, we become aware of the beauty, intelligence and solutions the fungi kingdom offer us in response to some of our most pressing medical, therapeutic, and environmental challenges.” (Rotten Tomatoes)
Website: https://fantasticfungi.com
Rating: 100% on Rotten Tomatoes; 8.1 out of 10 on IMDb
Where it can be viewed: Find a screening in your area here or request one
Release date: October 2019
HoneyLand
Description: The last female bee-hunter in Europe must save the bees and return the natural balance in Honeyland, when a family of nomadic beekeepers invade her land and threaten her livelihood. (IMBd)
Website: https://honeyland.earth
Rating: 99% on Rotten Tomatoes; 8.2 out of 10 on IMDb
Where it can be viewed: Amazon Prime
Release date: July 2019
For the Love of Food
Description: “In this poignant and culturally reflective documentary, meet the movers and shakers behind the young and erupting food media industry.” (Amazon)
Website: N/A
Rating: 5 out of 5 on Amazon
Where it can be viewed: Amazon Prime
Release date: November 2019
Revolution Food
Description: “Revolution: Food is all about the positive changes taking root in our modern food system. It focuses on real farmers who are growing, raising real food and the consumers who are demanding it.” (Amazon)
Website: https://www.revolutionfoodmovie.com
Rating: 8.6 out of 10 on IMDb
Where it can be viewed: Amazon Prime
Release Date: February 2019
Secrets of Your Supermarket
Description: “An investigative tv-documentary series lifting the lid on the growth, production and sale of supermarket food. Presented by journalist Sian Williams and food writer Stefan Gates.” (IMBd)
Website: https://www.channel5.com/show/secrets-of-your-supermarket-food/
Rating: N/A
Where it can be viewed: Channel 5
Release Date: March 2019
Seeds! The Diversity of Wonder
Description: “Iowa State University presents Seeds!, a six-part journey following seed people around the world into the wonder and power of seeds and our deep, intimate connection with them.”
Website: https://www.seeds.iastate.edu/seeds-diversity-wonder
Rating: N/A
Where it can be viewed: Iowa State University Seed Science Center
Release date: March 2019
A Tale of Two Cities
Description: “Two countries, two restaurants, one vision. A Tale of Two Kitchens explores the ways in which a restaurant can serve as a place of both dignity and community.”
Website: N/A
Rating: 6.4 out of 10 on IMDb
Where it can be viewed: Netflix
Release date: May 2019
