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In celebration of Earth Month, Whole Foods announced last week that they will be presenting a traveling Do Something Reel Film Festival, which will touch down in 70 cities across the U.S. during April. Launching this upcoming Friday, the collection of six films will focus on food, environmental issues and everyday people with a vision of making a world of difference.
"Through our Whole Foods Market Do Something Reel Film Festival we want to raise awareness of environmental and food issues, and support filmmakers who are creating films that inspire people to question the impact our choices have on our health, body and environment," Walter Robb, co-CEO of Whole Foods Market, said in a press release.
The six films included in the inaugural festival include “Bag It!,” “Lunch Line,” “On Coal River,” “PLANEAT,” “Urban Roots,” and “Vanishing of Bees.” Whole Foods will also stream the documentary, "Dig It" on the Do Something Reel website on Earth Day, April 22. The energetic, call-to-action film features the members of Pearl Jam as they participate in tree-planting actions and beautification efforts in New York City, Los Angeles and San Francisco.
By screening these specific films, Whole Foods hopes to inspire viewers to reflect on what we're passionate about, and how we can make a difference. The festivals will also include discussions with the filmmakers in an effort to cultivate a dialogue about the importance of environmental issues and to further educate attendees.
As part of the Do Something Reel Film Festival, Whole Foods has additionally created a grant program for filmmakers in the green film genre. A portion of all ticket sales from the festival will go towards a film production and development grant that will encourage filmmakers to continue making stories about the environment and the choices we make as consumers.
Screenings appear to be in about 35 states (even my small state of Rhode Island!) so visit the Do Something Reel website to find screenings in your area.
Kara is 3p's writer from New England. In her Newport, RI community, Kara is the organizer of Green Drinks Newport, is a member of Newport's Energy & Environment Commission, is a volunteer for the Neighborhood Energy Challenge, Norman Bird Sanctuary, and has also volunteered as a panelist for Rhode Island Farmways, speaking to farmers from around the state about how they can better market and promote their businesses. Beyond the moat that surrounds her island home, Kara has backpacked Mt. Washington in New Hampshire too many times to count and she hopes her next adventure will be to ski the gnarly Tuckerman's Ravine. Kara is a member of the Appalachian Mountain Club, a graduate of the Colorado Outward Bound School and in real life, she is a public relations director who'd just plain like to see the world a greener place. Kara has been writing for TreeHugger.com since January 2005 and began writing for 3p in January 2010.
