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Arts & Entertainment

AFI Pushes for Healthy Environment with Green on the Screen

Sponsored by Whole Foods Market in celebration of Earth Month, the "Do Something Reel Film Festival," scheduled for April 16-20, at the AFI Silver Theater, seeks to raise awareness of environmental and food issues.

In the weeks leading up to Earth Day, April 22, 2011, many local organizations are finding ways to raise collective consciousness about the environment. The American Film Institute (AFI) is launching a “Do Something Reel Film Festival,” scheduled for April 16-20. 

This program will feature six films on environmental and food issues, sponsored by Whole Foods Market in celebration of Earth Month as they seek to “raise awareness of environmental and food issues,” said Walter Robb, a CEO of Whole Foods Market; who added that the film festival can “spark an active dialogue and encourage people to take action locally.” 

These provocative, character-driven films address a wide range of issues that impact the planet and, at the same time, affect each of us in a personal way.  For example, have you ever wondered why there are fewer bees in your neighborhood? "The Vanishing of the Bees" addresses the mysterious disappearance of bees across the planet, known as colony collapse disorder, and the greater meaning it holds for mankind’s relationship with the environment.

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Ever question the wisdom of using so many disposable plastic bags? "Bag It" tells of the environmental degradation wrought by the ubiquitous disposable plastic bag, which is often used for just a few minutes and disposed of without a second thought; yet, is made of a material that lasts forever.

Are you concerned about the environmental implications of our nation’s heavy reliance on coal to generate electricity? "On Coal River" portrays the often devastating impact of mountaintop removal and other forms of steep slope strip mining on the surrounding countryside and on the lives of people in nearby towns.

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The remaining films, "Lunch Line," "PLANEAT," and "Urban Roots," delve into the issues surrounding how we decide what we eat and the impact of our diets on the world’s environment.  Urban Roots presents a group of Detroit urban farmers who pursue a vision of locally-grown and sustainably farmed food in a city where residents too often relied on fast and highly processed food.

A portion of all ticket sales from the “Do Something Reel Film Festival,” which will be shown in 70 U.S. cities, will go towards a film production and development grant to encourage filmmakers to continue making films about the environment and choices we make as consumers.  

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