10 Billion - What's on your plate?

10 Billion - What's on your Plate? is a powerful, thought-provoking, and issue-oriented documentary, directed and starring German filmmaker and food journalist Valentin Thurn. Known for his compelling and insightful storytelling, Thurn has crafted a remarkable narrative around a serious global issue – the threat to food security due to growing global populations, resource depletion, and environmental degradation.

Thurn is passionate about food systems, sustainability, and humanity's relationship with the environment. Here, he poses a critical question that underlies his entire cinematic journey - in a world projected to have a population of 10 billion people by 2050, how are we going to feed everyone sustainably? The question is not only about producing enough food but also ensuring it is affordable and, most importantly, healthy.

The film spans multiple countries, from the United States to Africa to Asia. Thurn travels the globe, diligently examining different facets of the food industry and the multifarious ways countries grapple with the challenge of feeding their burgeoning populations. He meticulously presents his findings, showcasing various aspects of the food industry and production methods with impeccable detail. From livestock farming, genetically modified crops, industrial agriculture to intriguing vertical farming, Thurn explores the prevailing practices while questioning their potential for future viability.

The film focuses on the realities and challenges of industrial agriculture in particular, which is often accused of being a primary contributor to climate change. Thurn, through the course of the film, portrays the insidious effects this mode of food production has on the environment while also highlighting its inability to provide a sustainable solution for feeding a population of over 10 billion.

By visiting farms, food scientists, advocacy groups and more, he highlights the detrimental environmental impacts of our current food production methods. But this is not just a voyage of discovery and understanding; Thurn goes beyond presenting a mere exposé of the system. His narrative is replete with practical solutions, alternative farming practices, and innovative technologies that could make a world of difference. In doing so, Thurn illustrates a powerful narrative of hope, envisioning a world where everything isn't as gloomy as it appears.

Throughout his journey, Thurn interviews various researchers, scientists, farmers, and businesspeople who are innovating and breaking new ground in sustainable food production. The film is brimming with compelling characters and profiles, each contributing to the overarching narrative and providing unique insights into the looming global food crisis. From scientists developing biotech solutions to farmers practicing innovative traditional methods, to philanthropists funding sustainable food projects, everyone seems to have a potential solution to this impending crisis.

In the film's latter sections, Thurn depicts future-oriented innovative solutions currently under development. He explores concepts like indoor vertical farming, i.e., producing food in vertically stacked layers or vertically inclined surfaces. While the concept looks promising in efficiently using limited space, Thurn leaves the audience to ponder its practicalities and feasibility on a larger scale.

Moreover, as the narrative unfolds, it's clear that Thurn doesn't prophesize any singular way forward. There's no magic bullet solution. Rather, he invites viewers to critically evaluate the interplay of various factors like population growth, market forces, genetic engineering, food waste, and the demand for meat and dairy. He effectively instigates a serious conversation about our collective future, encouraging the audience to think about their food choices and the effects on the world around them.

10 Billion - What's On Your Plate? is more than just a documentary; it's a pressing call to action. It forces spectators to confront a future that is almost upon us, where food scarcity could be a reality, and the decision we make now will determine the fate of generations to come. By providing a comprehensive, in-depth study of the global food production system and its potential alternatives, Thurn crafts an enlightening and compelling piece of storytelling that is both poignant and profound.

Thurn's ability to communicate complex scientific discourse in a palatable and engaging manner shines through in "10 Billion - What's on your plate?" With a deft mix of terrifying facts, potential solutions, and human stories, the film beautifully encapsulates the realities of our food system. Thurn’s film serves as a reminder that the time to act and reshape our future is now.