I began working on this documentary two years ago, after experiencing the amazing effects that a plant based diet had on my health. At that point I also realized that there where many films that talked about food, but few discussed the wide spectrum of the impact and effects that our food choices have on our health, on the health of the planet and on the lives of other species. So I decided to embark on a journey to make this film. With no financial backing I used my own time, funds and resources to begin this project. Over time the project grew and I realized the importance of making the best film possible so this important message could reach the masses and make a positive impact on peoples lives, on the health of the planet and on the lives of animals. As the project became more elaborate so did the production expenses. Thanks to a previous crowd funding campaign and donations from family and friends I was able to push through and record 32 interviews around the country with amazing people such as doctors, nutritionists, researchers, best selling authors, environmentalists, chefs, athletes, celebrities, bloggers, rockstars, regular people I met during my trip and many others, to try to get a wider perspective and understanding of the impact of our food choices.
Last month we finalized the interview recording stage of the production process. We have over 60 hours of footage. We reached a point where we really want to make the best film possible and need a little help to cover costs of post-production expenses such as professional editing, music score and the graphics and animations that I want to have placed throughout the film to help reinforce the message and tell this story in an informative and entertaining way. And that's where you can really help make a difference! :)
WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO FINISH THIS FILM?
People often ask me why am I dedicating so much time, effort and resources on this film. There is no short answer to that, but basically it is because I believe it has an important message and I also believe that it can make a difference in people's lives and hopefully to some extent on the health of our planet and on the lives of other species. I know this is just one film and it won't change the world by itself, but by raising awareness and joining efforts we can all begin making a difference.
THE IMPACT OF FOOD CHOICES ON PEOPLE'S HEALTH:
*According to several studies (some sources listed below), a carnivorous diet can potentially have several effects on our health.
**Sources: PCRM.org, Stanford.edu, WHO (World Health Organization), The China Study, T. Colin Campbell Center for Nutrition Studies, The Starch Solution (Dr. John McDougall), nutritionfacts.org.
I experienced first hand the positive impact that a plant based diet can have on health. Just 3 years ago at age 32, I was over 50 pounds overweight, weighing 220lbs at 5'7", my blood pressure was high, my cholesterol was through the roof and my sugar was so high that the doctor said I was in a pre-diabetic stage. After trying several yo-yo diets for a couple years I ran into information about a plant based diet and decided to give it a shot. It was a hard transition for the first few weeks but I got used to it and really began to enjoy this new diet and lifestyle. After a year on this diet I re did the blood tests and to my and the doctors surprise all levels went back to normal. And what's great about it is that I didn't have to buy any supplements (aside from vitamin B12), take any medication or subscribe to any diet programs, it was all in the food! I really wish that more people got access to this information so they could also transform their lives and improve their health.
Studies and statistics from all over the world show us that there is an epidemic of obesity, cancer and chronic degenerative diseases such as diabetes and hearth disease, in america and all over the world. And the numbers are rising. Many experts believe that a plant based diet can help. I interviewed several health authorities and experts for this film to try get an understating of these facts.
THE IMPACT OF FOOD CHOICES ON THE ENVIRONMENT AND ON THE LIVES OF OTHER SPECIES:
**Sources: FAO (Food and agriculture organization of the United Nations), WHO (World Health Organization), UN (United Nations), Food Choices and Sustainability (Dr. Richard Oppenlander).
Many people get surprised when they hear that the food they eat can affect global warming, produce massive amounts of CO2, methane and nitric oxide emissions, diminish our fresh water supply, contribute to the depletion of our natural resources, destroy the amazon forest, destroy our top soil, completely deplete our oceans beyond repair, create massive amounts of pollution and several other factors. Unfortunately that is the truth. The meat, dairy and fishing industries have a devastating effect on our planet. The global population will reach 8 billion people in the next couple decades, and the future looks grim. It is impossible to feed that many people on a carnivorous diet. Simply put there is not enough land, water and animal feed to produce enough meat for 8 billion people.
It is important to take action now, become aware of the impact that food choices have on our lives and decide if it's worth it or not making a change. I don't believe that "veganism" will solve all the problems of our world, but I strongly believe that it must at least be part of the solution.
HOW CAN A PLANT BASED DIET IMPROVE YOUR HEALTH?
**Sources: PCRM.org, Stanford.edu, WHO (World Health Organization), The China Study, T. Colin Campbell Center for Nutrition Studies, The Starch Solution (Dr. John McDougall), nutritionfacts.org.Several studies suggest that a plant based diet can positively affect your health, millions of people around the world are experiencing the healing effects of this diet and lifestyle. Renowned doctors such as John McDougall M.D. (featured in this film), use a plant based diet approach to prevent and treat patients with a wide array of conditions. More and more physicians adhere to this practice every day. Hundreds of studies have been done on the effects of a plant based diet on health. The most notorious one, called the China Study was conducted by Dr. T Colin Campbell PHD (featured in this film) in conjunction with Cornell University, Oxford University in London and several universities in China. The study lasted 27 years and analyzed the impact that diet (more specifically animal and plant based protein) had on promoting and preventing disease.
Many people are learning that the best way to loose weight is by adopting a whole foods plant based diet (whole foods meaning foods close to their natural state).
Many athletes are discovering that they can gain more lean muscle, lose fat and improve their athletic performance by adopting this diet. People such as world champion ultra marathon athlete Hilary Biscay and world class triathlete Rich Roll, who I had the pleasure to interview for this film are 100% fueled by plants!
HOW CAN A PLANT BASED DIET HELP OUR PLANET AND SAVE THE LIVES OF OTHER SPECIES?
**Sources: FAO (Food and agriculture organization of the United Nations), WHO (World Health Organization), UN (United Nations), Food Choices and Sustainability (Dr. Richard Oppenlander).
80 billion land animals and over a trillion fish and sea animals are killed every year for human consumption. Aside of the massive pain, suffering and torture inflicted to these animals our entire planet suffers as several ecosystems are disrupted affecting thousands of species of both plant and animals. By choosing a plant based diet you will be helping the planet and the animals in many ways. To give you an example, a cow requires 30 to 40 gallons of water daily (in average) to survive, that's 14,400 gallons of water per year. By eating one pound less of meat per year you will save as much water as if you didn't shower for that same entire year.
Also, did you know that 70% of the arable land in the United Stated is used for the production of animal feed? How does that relate to world hunger? Imagine that we used that same land to produce plant based foods such as, vegetables, grains, fruits, legumes, etc...
There is a lot of confusion and misinformation out there. For example, many people are shifting to organic, grass fed meats, thinking they are doing good for the planet and for the animals, but even thought the animals might live a better life when compared to the deplorable conditions they are raised in the factory farms, they are still slaughtered in the same way. There is no humane slaughterhouse in the United States. Another fact that goes unmentioned is that grass fed beef is countless times more destructive to our planet. One cow needs a minimum of 1 to 2 acres of land to graze. After a couple years, once the animal gets killed it will render in average 300 to 400 pounds of meat. Those same 2 acres of land could potentially generate 20 to 30 thousand pounds of plant based food per year. You do the math... There are many terrifying examples like the ones above and we covered several in the film.
CHECK OUT OUR ORIGINAL TRAILER (THIS IS OLD MATERIAL THOUGH, WE DID OVER 20 ADDITIONAL INTERVIEWS AFTER THIS WAS PUT TOGETHER)
*Note: "Although some researchers have concluded that livestock contribute more than 50% of global anthropogenic greenhouse gases, most recent United Nations studies place the figure at 14.5%. Stay tuned for an updated Food Choices trailer for the most recent data and perspectives concerning the damaging effect that animal agriculture has on our environment including new numbers and perspectives related to greenhouse gases and climate change. This, of course, will be in addition to all the other wonderful aspects of this film and what it will bring to you."--Dr. Richard Oppenlander
HELP MAKE THIS FILM A REALITY!
We are offering several awesome perks in exchange of your support! As one of the perks you can get multiple copies for the Food Choices DVD's and do screenings with friends and family at you home or school!
The Food Choices Documentary will be fully accessible online and through all mobile platforms and devices.
You can be one of the first to watch FOOD CHOICES when it comes out! Check out our perks to see how you can get a digital download of the film!ABOUT THE FILMMAKER:
Michal Siewierski is a multiple Emmy Award nominated world-class TV producer, director and most recently a documentary filmmaker. Michal has produced hundreds of TV commercials, several TV shows, and political campaigns. After experiencing the amazing impact that a plant based diet had on his health and on his life, Michal embarked on a journey to produce the documentary Food Choices in order to raise awareness and to try doing his part in helping save the planet for future generations. Michal lives in Chicago, IL with his wife, daughter and their black labrador Shadow.
For more information please visit:
www.FoodChoicesMovie.com
THANK YOU!
**These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Consult with your doctor before making any dietary changes.
**If interested in eating a plant based diet seek advice from a doctor, nutritionist or licensed holistic practitioner with a strong background in plant based nutrition. You can find a list of doctors in your area on the website of the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine
http://www.pcrm.org.
**The statements made above are solely based on the personal experiences and interviews done by the filmmaker and are by no means to be considered as health advice from the filmmaker.