Food, Inc. and Creative Activism

When I started my last blog, Creative DC, with its stated mission of “inspiring and showcasing creative living in Washington, DC,” the question quickly arose: What, exactly, is creativity? My friend Jaime was quick to point out that activism is a form of creative expression, and I couldn’t agree with her more.  At its core, creativity is about the expression of something inside you – a feeling, an idea, a belief. While some people express themselves through paint, or film, others choose activism as their medium. For example, here’s a photo of a protester I saw at a peace march on the National Mall, back in 2007:

Of course, sometimes the line between art and activism isn’t so clear. One area where that’s particularly true is documentary film, which is sometimes primarily intended as an agent for social change. An example of such a film is Food, Inc., which I’m guessing many of you have already seen. I’ve been passionate about eating local, organic food for several years now, and I’m a vegetarian, plus I’m surrounded in my particular cultural niche with people and media focused on the politics of food; so I didn’t think I needed to see Food, Inc. – what could it tell me that I didn’t already know?

But when I saw how the film was moving so many of my friends to change their eating habits, I thought, Maybe this is worth watching. And while I didn’t necessarily learn new facts about the dangers and horrors of agribusiness, the film’s imagery affected me strongly — until then, I hadn’t encountered these issues in such a visual form. And that’s exactly what makes film a powerful agent for change: It affects people more viscerally, I believe, than many other forms of communication. And when you hit people in the gut, you’re more likely to change their behavior (I think) than when you approach them solely on an intellectual plane.

If, like me, you think Food, Inc. is an important film, there are a number of ways you can help spread the word. Obviously, you can recommend the film to your friends. In addition to being available via Netflix (for instant viewing, no less), it’s airing April 21 on PBS, as part of the POV independent film series. POV offers a range of ways to get involved, from putting the trailer on your website to printing and displaying the movie poster. Visit their website for additional ideas and all related images, links and video embed code. For additional ways to take action, check out the official Food, Inc. website.

My favorite idea? Host a Food, Inc. potluck.

These ideas aren’t limited to Food, Inc., of course. Take any film you’re passionate about, and put up fliers, host a viewing party… same goes for social causes, art exhibits, books, you name it. Advocate your passions. You don’t need to march in a protest or join an established organization to be an activist.  Realize the power at your fingertips. <Steps off soapbox>

What film has affected your beliefs or behavior most strongly?

Related Links (this list is public media-centric because (a) that’s a world I know well; and (b) public media is very much about connecting what you see on-air, or online, with real-world activity):

• The POV Archives - Many POV films explore social issues and thus become powerful tools in social issue campaigns. For example, a film they aired called The Way We Get By anchored a campaign to support veterans and senior citizens.
• Independent Television Service (ITVS) – An archive of independent films with information on related community engagement campaigns
• Making Your Media Matter - A conference “for established and aspiring filmmakers, non-profit communications leaders, funders and students looking to learn and share cutting-edge practices for making their media matte.” Coming up at American University in Washington, DC on May 12, 2010. Learn more.