WOAO? will be part of the first annual Gainesville Environmental Film and Arts Festival, March 19-28. Screenings of the best environmental feature and doc films will be taking place inside the Hippodrome State Theatre, while there will be an Environmental Fair with community events such as Eco Tours outside! The festival will be screening WOAO? on March 24th at 8:25 pm followed by a panel discussion with Shelley and WOAO?’s own Marty Mesh! We’re excited to meet and greet Marty’s home-town crowd!!

Then on March 31st, Florida Organic Growers will be sponsoring a free screening of WOAO? in Naples, FL at 4:30pm at the Conservancy of Southwest Florida. A panel discussion with Shelley, Marty (who is also Executive Director of FOG) and Frank Oakes owner of Food and Thought Organic Market and Restaurant. FOG also invites guests to a fundraising dinner at Frank Oakes’ restaurant following the screening. Come on by or invite your Naples neighbors!

Before we leave Florida, though, remember WOAO? will be kicking off Florida Film Festival’s Food Focused Film weekend in Orlando, FL on April 10th. We’ll have a mini farmers market and lots of fun happenings planned, so we hope to see you there!

REthink, REplenish, REcommit is the motto for the Going Green Film Festival that is taking place on April 2-4th in Los Angeles, CA. The festival focuses solely on green filmmaking, from content to production. Chipotle will be awarding a prize to the film that best matches their philosophy of “eco-friendly food with integrity” on April 4th during the ECOtainment awards at the Writers Guild Theater…and WOAO? is honored to be under consideration for the award!

And be sure to check out First Lady Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move campaign, which aims to eliminate these food deserts and bring affordable, quality, nutritious food to everyone.

And take a gander at the Agricultural Justice Project’s Standards–they’re accepting comments until April 25th, so be sure to let them know you care about social justice issues in organic agriculture…

Now these are things all eaters can get excited about : )

Till the next time.

Good Eats!

The first festival was this weekend at the Magnolia Film Festival in Starksville, MS. WOAO? kept the food conversation going as Saturday night’s feature film.

The second festival will take place in none other then the sunshine state itself at the Florida Film Festival in Maitland, Fl on April 10th. WOAO? was selected to kick off the Food Focused Film weekend! As always, if you’re in the area stop on by it should be a great time.

And while the Wild and Scenic Environmental Film Festival has come and gone, we still have a lasting impression of the warmth and fun we had there, plus a fun interview to snack on! Check out the interview from See Jane Do with Shelley and WOAO?’s very own Marty Mesh! Hear what inspired Shelley to make WOAO?, Marty’s thoughts on the future of organic growing and their comments on natural vs organic: http://www.livestream.com/cognizantproductions/video?clipId=flv_0cb26468-a5f5-4ae4-8c64-e593ab9c9983

And speaking of some tasty multi-media press, tune in to Heritage Radio Network at 1 pm today to hear Shelley joining Hungry Filmmaker’s co-curator, Cathy Erway, on her show, Let’s Eat In. Ana Joanes, director of FRESH, will be there as well, so we’re excited to start talking about eating food, having babies, writing books, and making films as we gear up for the 2nd Installment of Hungry Filmmakers this Tuesday, February 23rd! If you haven’t gotten your tickets yet, get one soon: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/93405 And check out our listing in the NY Times Dining Calendar!

Plus, DVDs will be out to manufacture soon and WOAO? website is being updated, dandified & expanded as we speak! Check back soon for more features…

OH, and very important–the comment period has been extended to March 3rd regarding Genetically Engineered Crop contamination, so DON’T FORGET to tell USDA to keep GE Alfafa OUT of our food system! Here’s the True Food Network’s easy Action Page: http://ga3.org/campaign/alfalfaEIS?rk=V1WKc_9aH2M2E

Enjoy!

Shelley and the WOAO? team

According to our friends, THE FOOD FARMERS (the Federation of Organic Farmers), this final rule will “require that dairy cows and other ruminants be out on pasture for the entire growing season, but for not less than 120 days. It also requires that the animals receive at least 30% of their feed, or dry matter intake (DMI), from pasturing. In addition, organic livestock will be required to have access to the outdoors year-round with the exception of temporary confinement due to mitigating and documentable environmental or health considerations.”

And the reactions are pouring out quicker then you can say “pasteurize it!” As Kathie Arnold put it, “I am still pinching myself to be sure that this is all real–after all these years it seems almost too good to be true.” Kathie Arnold and Jim Gardiner who both appear in WOAO? are members of the Federation of Organic Farmers.

The controversy concerning the loophole in the old standards is a strong point that is addressed in WOAO?… How do we ensure that the integrity of the organic label is maintained? As the organic industry grows, will it just fit into the exploitative food system we already have or will we reinvent the food system to be more environmentally and socially ethical?

Here’s a SNEAK PEAK of an organic cow digesting pasture from one of WOAO?’s animations!

And check out the Northeast Organic Dairy Producer’s Alliance website, if you want more information on more pasture rule resources…

So, after nearly a decade of wading through bureaucratic hurdles along with a dose of the regulation-enforcement-averse climate of the Bush administration, it is a HAPPY DAY FOR ORGANIC DAIRY FARMERS, LIVESTOCK, AND FOOD CITIZENS.

Let’s raise a glasses of organic milk high in air and give three cheers–this ones for the cows!

Shelley, Ursula, & the WOAO? team

Back by popular demand, the food documentary film screening and discussion event Hungry Filmmakers will return to Anthology Film Archives on Tuesday, February 23, 2010. This follows the incredibly enthusiastic response to the inaugural Hungry Filmmakers in December, which featured upcoming films by Ian Cheney and Curt Ellis, Mascha and Manfred Poppenk, and was moderated by Anna Lappé. The organizers hope to grow the series and its community of filmmakers and fans with another exciting lineup of screenings.

Hungry Filmmakers aims to showcase the work of filmmakers who are dedicated to furthering sustainable food dialogue in a social, friendly environment that allows for deeper discussion. Offering viewers a sampling rather than a full screening of each, the program includes ten-minute excerpts of each of the featured films. Kerry Trueman, editor of EatingLiberally.org, will moderate a panel discussion with the directors and/or producers following the screenings. Throughout the films in this lineup, our filmmakers explore the dire effects of over fishing and the underlying causes of food-borne illnesses; the lack of fresh food in underserved communities, and the growth of sustainable food production practices that are inspirational to all.

The films:
FRESH Ana Sofia Joanes
MAD COW INVESTIGATOR Nancye Good
WHAT’S ON YOUR PLATE? Catherine Gund
THE END OF THE LINE Rupert Murray
FLY ON THE WALL Jenny Montasir

When: February 23, 2010
Anthology Film Archives
32 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10003
Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Screenings begin promptly at 7:00 p.m.
$15 at door and in advance: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/93405 (link on http://hungryfilmmakers.blogspot.com/)

A reception will follow in the theatre lobby with complimentary snacks, Lagunitas beer and wine from T Edwards. BYOC (bring your own cup) strongly encouraged if you wish to have a drink.

Hungry Filmmakers is a not-for-profit event hosted by Shelley Rogers, Cathy Erway, Jimmy’s No. 43 and Tim Lynch. Proceeds will be donated to the nonprofit organization Just Food, which works to promote access of fresh, seasonal, sustainable grown food for all New York City residents.

Jimmy’s No. 43 is a bar and restaurant that is committed to supporting the local arts and sustainable food communities. Awarded “Best Bar with Good Food” by New York Magazine, “Favorite NY Pubs” by Forbes and a “Snail of Approval” for its use of local farm-sourced ingredients from Slow Food NYC, Jimmy’s No. 43 hosts many events and fundraisers, and founded the Good Beer Seal bar community.

Anthology Film Archives is an international center for the preservation, study and exhibition of film and video with a particular focus on American avant-garde cinema.

The USDA is accepting public comments on this issue through February 16, 2010, so please take action now. Check out the Center for Food Safety’s TRUE FOOD Action Page for a quick and easy way to send a message: http://ga3.org/campaign/alfalfaEIS?rk=G1Mq6lSaH2M2E

I know many of us rely on the organic label to ensure that we’re not consuming or supporting genetic engineered crop production and the hegemonic companies that irresponsibly hawk them all over the world, so please do your food citizen duty and make your voice heard!

Best,

shelley and the WOAO? team

I’m happy to say that the December evening of “Hungry Filmmakers” was a successful, sold out event! The audience previewed seven film excerpts; then, Anna Lappe facilitated a discussion with the filmmakers and two esteemed guests—WOAO?’s very own character/co-producer Marty Mesh & an advocate from World Hunger Year. Here’s an article by Columbia Journalism Student, Melissa Muller, recapping the whole event and highlighting a little of WOAO?’s backstory: http://greenstandardnyc.com/2009/12/20/documentary-filmmakers-are-hungry-for-change/

We do believe audiences are still hungry, though, because another Hungry Filmmakers event is already scheduled to take place February 23 featuring all new films! The official press release will come out soon, so keep your eyes pealed… And please spread the word that we’re calling for entries for future events: www.hungryfilmmakers.blogspot.com

In the meantime, though, for any of you Northern CA folks—we’ll be screening the film at the Wild & Scenic Environmental Film Festival and the Sonoma Environmental Film Festival this month! Shelley will be attending the screenings and answering questions afterward, so check out the links for the details and please spread the word to your friends in the area!

And for those of you hungry for WOAO? content on the web, we are happy to announce that The Organic Trade Association (OTA) has selected a clip of our footage on its newly launched web site, “Organic. It’s Worth It.” This website is a place where consumers can gain knowledge on how the different aspects within organic production intertwine and the results they produce, so we’re thrilled they wanted our content to be a part of their educational efforts. Be sure to check out the website and our featured clip of Andy Grant: http://www.organicitsworthit.org/experts/grow/andy-grant#bio

As we reflect upon all our progress on the film over the past year, we would like to acknowledge the incredible and generous talent of one of our dear friends and member of our crew who passed away just after Thanksgiving in 2009. Lora Hays served as consulting editor on WOAO? and was Shelley’s mentor throughout the making of the film. We feel blessed that we shared part of Lora’s 99 years on this earth and grateful that she imparted some of her wisdom to help make WOAO? a very special film. Here’s a bit more about her life and work, if you’d like to read about a truly fantastic and inspiring woman: http://www.thevillager.com/villager_345/lorahaysspindel.html

All the best,
WOAO? team

We even drummed up enough buzz for a listing in Wednesday’s NY Times Food and Dining Calendar as a “celluloid buffet!” (It is purposefully obscure, since we’ll likely only have standing room… But it’s still pretty cool!) Check it out: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/09/dining/09fcal.html?_r=1

Good news for those of you who still want to come–send an email to foodkarma@gmail.com to be put on the waiting list for tickets. Our inimitable Jimmy Carbone will then send out a message to you on the day of the event to let you know what’s up : )

We’ll also have our own limited edition hand-screen printed WOAO? organic cotton T-shirts for sale at the event! They’ll make great holiday gifts! (I’ll let you know if we have any leftover for online sales…or send me an email if you want to reserve one to be mailed to your special someone!)

Thanks to Bena Burda and Doug Wilson at Maggie’s Functional Organics for donating the shirts! And much gratitude to our ever talented Georg Pederson for the design and screen printing skills! His DIY spirit always inspires me!!

Hope to see some of you next week or sometime soon! Give a holler if you have a conference, meeting or gathering coming up where you’d like to host a screening… we’re gearing up for all that now!

Local celebrity/environmental activist, Park Overall, will be there to introduce the film. The panel will be moderated by the editor of The Greeneville Sun, John M. Jones, Jr.

All proceeds from the screening will benefit the WOAO? post production (final techie stuff) & Rural Resources. We are eager to get this movie out of our hands and into the community.

For those of you who can’t make it but would like to help out and be a part of this essential part in production, we are still welcoming donations (see details on our website).

Another quick note: Our website will be expanding in the coming months and you’ll soon have the option to purchase the preview DVD, so keep a look out.

What’s ORGANIC About Organic?–fundraising screening
Sat. November 21st, 7pm. Doors open at 6:30pm
Where : The Behan Arena at Tusculum College
Panel Discussion will immediately follow the screening.
Locally & sustainably grown hors d’oeuvres prepared by Rachel Bewley will be available for all in attendance.
$10 / person

HUNGRY FILMMAKERS is an evening of excerpts from upcoming doc films that take on food and agricultural issues. Shelley is co-curating the event alongside food writer Cathy Erway. We’ve all asked the questions, so now it’s time to see some reactions to the growing discussion of the environment and food, farming and our eating choices. A panel discussion with the attending filmmakers will immediately follow the screenings. Anna Lappé, food activist and author, will keep the discussion rolling and get your questions answered as moderator.

Now, I did mention food? At 9 pm come on over to Jimmy’s No 43 for an after party filled with good people, good discussion and of course good eats. Sample some hors d’oeuvres from locally sustainable purveyors such as Blue Isle Oyster Company, Mama O’s Kimchee, 3-Corner Field Farm, Schoolhouse Kitchen and more. A bar and Restaurant, Jimmy’s No. 43 uses local farm-sourced ingredients from Slow Food NYC and believes in supporting local arts and sustainable food communities.

The films:
What’s “Organic” About Organic? – Shelley Rogers
Big River and Truck Farm – Curt Ellis & Ian Cheney
The Greenhorns – Severine von Tscarner Fleming
Grown in Detroit – Manfred & Mascha Poppenk
Faces from the New Farm – Liz Tylander, Kat Shiffler & Lara Sheets
Untitled Film on Climate Change & Food System – Sara Grady

December 15, 2009
Anthology Film Archives
32 2nd Ave
New York, NY 10003
Doors open at 7:00 p.m. Screenings begin promptly at 7:30 p.m.
A panel discussion immediately follow the screenings.

After Party – 9:00 p.m.
Jimmy’s No 43
43 E. 7th Street.
Full dinner menu and craft beer menu will be available.

Advance tickets are now available for $10. Visit Brown Paper Tickets to purchase.

Hungry Filmmakers is a not-for-profit event hosted by Anthology Film Archives and Jimmy’s No. 43. Proceeds gathered will be donated to Just Food, a non profit organization.

Hope to see you there!
-Ursula & the WOAO? team

If this is intriguing your sense of taste and your 5 “W’s” then RSVP by November 6th to get your seat. Space is limited: 212-460-1200 or info@unionsquarenyc.org.

In other news–snow was falling, pumpkins were flying in the air AND rolling on the ground from the Pumpkin catapult and Pumpkin bowling activities at Grant Farms Harvestival. Shelley was honored to be the keynote speaker and discuss the film amongst such dedicated people.

Did you know that Grant Family Farms runs the largest CSA in the country with over 3,000 members?! How great is that?! Antonio, our ever diligent Director of Photography, also came to Harvestival and filmed the entire event! We’ll be making into a short video for their website and will share it with everyone soon…

Now, I know I mentioned snow, but oh boy–was there snow! So much so that the following weekend they had a Harvestival THAWED! So for those who didn’t get to join the festivities the first time or those who wanted a double dose of music, fun and food, you got your wish.