Sustainable

Sustainable is an enlightening and thought-provoking American documentary film directed and produced by Matt Wechsler in 2016. The film stars Marty Travis, Dan Barber, and Rick Bayless, all respected figures in the American agricultural industry. It can be categorized as an environmental film, yet it reaches beyond that label to encompass themes of social responsibility, sustainable living, and aspects of economic impact. As such, it has been widely acclaimed by critics for its educational and inspiring narrative.

The film centers around Marty Travis, a seventh-generation farmer, as he navigates the changing landscape of American agriculture. Demonstrating how industrial, large-scale farming has exhausted the land and proved less sustainable in the long run, Travis aims to protect his farmland in central Illinois by pioneering a return to more traditional, sustainable farming practices.

Combined with heart-wrenchingly beautiful visuals, Sustainable takes viewers on a journey through the arduous task of improving farming strategies, with the goal of maintaining natural resources and ensuring future generations have access to healthy and nutritious food. The film raises pertinent questions about the origins of food, ethical farming practices, and how the current system of agriculture might be improved for a healthier planet.

Sustainable goes beyond a character study of Travis, however. Trailblazing chef Dan Barber, lauded as a leading voice in the sustainable food movement, lends his expertise and thoughts to the narrative. Barber famously advocates for a farm-to-table approach, using biodynamic farming methods that would replenish the soil's nutrients while lowering the carbon footprint. Barber's presence gives the documentary a culinary perspective, further diversifying the comprehensive look into sustainable agriculture.

Rick Bayless, a celebrated chef specializing in traditional Mexican cuisine with locally sourced ingredients, also features prominently in the film. He shares revelations about the flavor superiority of organic produce and the stark contrast between factory farming and smaller, more sustainable practices, linking the choices we make about food directly to our health and the health of the planet.

Through comprehensive interviews with farmers, chefs, scientists, educators, and activists, Sustainable paints an often harrowing but ultimately hopeful picture about the future of food production and consumption. Wechsler skillfully balances the line between being didactic and inspiring, making the film both enlightening and entertaining.

Sustainable takes viewers through the challenges and victories of the sustainable farming revolution currently burgeoning in the heartland of America. From the intricacies of soil science to the surprising connections between our food and climate change, the film is a veritable cornucopia of information. It pushes the boundaries of a typical food documentary by delving into socioeconomic, environmental, and health implications of conventional farming methods, proposing enlightening alternatives in the process.

The film also showcases the benefits of community-supported agriculture initiatives, demonstrating their power in restoring vitality and sustainability to farming. Furthermore, Sustainable focuses on the efforts in forging stronger links between local farmers and consumers – a model that not only aids in bettering nutrition but also in fueling local economies, retaining the cultural heritage of farming techniques, and reducing the carbon footprint associated with transportation of produce.

With the rise of ethical consumerism, viewers are increasingly critical of the origins of food, and Sustainable offers a compelling narrative to explore this vital concept. This is not merely a documentary about farming, but a call to action for individuals, communities, and corporations to reconsider and reconfigure their daily habits and business models towards a more sustainable lifestyle, making it a must-watch for anyone concerned about the future of our planet.

Sustainable is thus a beautifully shot, sincerely narrated ode to those farmers, chefs, and activists who are striving to change our relationship with food and farming. It is a comprehensive look into our food ecosystem, delving into the complexities of the current state of the industry and offering a blueprint to fix the same. A compelling blend of education and entertainment, Sustainable is more than a film; it's an invitation to join the sustainable food movement for a greener, healthier, and more equitable world.