Film screening on the 30th

I've invited Eleni Vlachos to screen her film "Seeing Through the Fence", a film that examines the ethics and sustainability of food production in our modern age.

From Eleni:

I recently released a documentary entitled Seeing Through the Fence, a philosophical look at ethics, tradition, and our food sources. Through a series of interviews, the documentary explores the question, "What prevents ethical principles from being advance to action?"

Due to the positive response screenings have received, I am touring a year with the film - screening at universities primarily -- and have screened at several philosophy clubs. As part of a nationwide tour, I will be in your area and available to screen the film at the University of Alabama on 3/27 or 3/30, and would love to explore, with you, this possibility.

Recently, the Assistant Professor of Philosophy at the University of Kansas wrote:

"Thank you for hosting the screening of your film for the philosophy club at the University of Kansas! I think it is an excellent piece of work, both as an instance of filmmaking in general and as a means to engaging with a range of ethical issues. I should also say that the film had a significant effect on me..."

Here is my synopsis:
Through a series of humorous and poignant interviews conducted across the US and in Greece with "random people," the documentarian's family, and activists, Seeing through the Fence explores our attitudes about the role of food in modern society and our connection, or lack of connection, with both the processes and animals from which our food originates, asking the question, 'What prevents ethical principles from being advanced to action?'

The format is flexible but typically as follows:

* Intro (5 minutes)
* Making of of film (5 minutes)
* Screen film (One hour, DVD)
* Question & Answer (15-30 minutes)

A trailer and link to press can be found here: www.porchlifeproductions.com . I have also pasted some feedback about the film below. A modest honorarium/sponsorship is requested, and I can provide access to promotional materials. I appreciate your time! (Additional press/quotes follow below.)


Other press/quotes:

"I eat meat. Always have, probably always will. So, why would I want to watch a documentary about vegans and vegetarians? To see the different point of view that "Seeing Through the Fence" offers... the documentary flows through interviews with Vlachos' family, activists and people on the street. In this humorous pro-vegan documentary, Vlachos allows others to speak their minds..." --LEO Weekly, Staff Picks (Louisville, KT)

"Seeing Through the Fence was screened as part of our Sustainable Development film series...The film not only addresses the cruelty inherent in modern factory farms, but also how Americans can no longer sustainably afford to eat as they do today. The film provoked lively conversations and received great feedback from attending students. I highly recommend this film to other universities." --Veronica Dristas, Outreach Coordinator for Global Studies at the University Center for International Studies, University of Pittsburgh

"Seeing Through the Fence was a surprise – a wonderful combination of storytelling, comedy, and activism. I was particularly compelled with the personal, familial perspective [showing] a family perplexed by her choices, pointing out that years of cultural tradition cannot be ignored..." --Beth-Ann Kutchma, UNC-Chapel Hill Fulbright Program Advisor; Program Officer, the Center for Global Initiatives.

"Vlachos...takes to streets, dog parks and pig sanctuaries, from Seattle to North Carolina to Greece. She questions passersby, friends and family...It's in these conversations between family and friends that the film finds its real voice. Here, Vlachos is less of a streetwise interviewer and more of a patient philosopher." --Kathy Justice, Independent Weekly

"Seeing Through the Fence smartly peppers humor throughout...Vlachos serves up a vital and highly likable film." --The Feminist Review

"This is the kind of movie I wish everyone would watch, because it can really make you think about the effects your diet has on the world."--Student, as quoted in the Guilfordian

"Armed solely with a mini-DV camera and microphone, Vlachos interviews vegetarians and meat eaters alike across the United States, as well as in Greece...Vlachos' film is rather omnivore-friendly. Although nearly half of the people she interviews enjoy eating meat, Vlachos never comes off as being pushy or confrontational during their discussions." --Joe Scott, Film Feature, Go Triad! (Greensboro,NC)

"Very creative! Seeing Through the Fence is subtle yet powerful enough to open hearts and minds. A real gem...everyone should see this film." --Esta Lewin, Counselor/Career Services Coordinator, Lake Tahoe Community College, CA.

"Seeing Through the Fence...is an earnest and relatively non-confrontational world view from a vegan's vantage point. Above all, Vlachos said, she wants her film to open up conversation about the choices we make when we buy food and eat." -- Laura Giovanelli, Staff Writer, Relish/Journal Now (Winston-Salem, NC)