I just recently went to a theatrical screening of the film "American Meat - A Leave It Better Story" with my sister-in-law Colleen** and wanted to share my thoughts about the documentary with you.
I first heard about the film on Twitter and found out they were doing a theatrical screening in NYC. It was only an $11 donation to see the hour and a half film along with a 5 person question and answer panel. My sister-in-law and I decided to attend the screening with the "Chefs & Butchers" panel. The phenomenal panel included: Mary Cleaver - owner of the Cleaver Co., Tom Mylan - executive butcher and co-owner of The Meat Hook, Jake Dickson - butcher & owner of Dickson's Farmstand Meats , Bill Telepan - Chef and owner of Telepan & board member & the executive chef of Wellness in the Schools, and Graham Meriwether - the Director Cinematographer Producer of American Meat.
To sum up the film best, here is the description from the films website, www.americanmeatfilm.com: "American Meat is a pro-farmer look at chicken, hog and cattle production in America. Beginning with a history of our current industrial system, the
feedlots and confinement operations are unveiled, not through hidden
cameras, but through the eyes of the farmers who live and work there.
From there, the story shifts to Polyface Farms, where the Salatin family
has developed an alternative agricultural model based on rotational
grazing and local distribution. Nationwide, a local-food movement of
farmers, chefs, and everyday people has taken root... But could it ever
feed us all?"Needless to say, I was blown away by both the film and the panel. The film was both informative and inspirational. I was extremely captivated by Joel Salatin and his farming method; so much so that we are planning a trip to visit Polyface Farms in Virginia later this year. It is amazing to me that the Salatin method of farming is considered an "alternative agriculture model" since it is actually just the way farming is supposed to be done. I consider myself pretty educated about this subject so I was really surprised at how much I learned from this film. I walked away with a lot to think about and wanting to learn more about farming and what I can do to "Leave It Better". I truly believe that being educated and knowing exactly where your food comes from is the key to creating a sustainable & healthy food system in the U.S. And, yes, this way of farming CAN fed us all!
Then the panel after the film was a fantastic bonus. All the people on the panel are a true inspiration and my only complaint is that it wasn't longer! I was already a huge fan and a customer of The Meat Hook (Tom Mylan) and The Green Table (Mary Cleaver). I also really enjoyed hearing from Jake Dickson about Dickson's Farmstand Meats and will definitely be checking it out next time I am at the Chelsea Market (which I already love). but I was most impressed with Bill Telepan (http://www.telepan-ny.com) and hearing about the work he does with Wellness in the Schools.
I consider this film a must see. They just finished their Theatrical Release Tour, but you can pre-order the DVD HERE. I would love to hear what you guys think of the film too!
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**Check out my sister-in-laws upholstery and furniture restoration blog http://timberandcloth.blogspot.com/ and follow her on twitter @timberandcloth. She is an amazing artist, upholsterer/furniture restorer, and teacher. "Keeping unique furniture pieces free from the landfill by giving them a new life and a new home!"
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