In a world where, increasingly, our food is genetically modified and the products we use contain harmful chemicals, people who care about entirely natural products need to band together. You are probably aware of Burt’s Bees, the line of cosmetic products made only from natural ingredients like beeswax. What you probably are unaware of though is the fascinating story of how the company was founded, which has it’s origins in one man’s decision to live more naturally, and sustainably, by leaving New York City to become a beekeeper! That’s why we want to let you know about the upcoming release of a documentary film called Burt’s Buzz, directed by Jody Shapiro, that follows the life of Burt Shavitz, co-founder and face of Burt’s Bees, which opens on June 13th at the SIFF Film Center.
As the face that appears on Burt’s Bees products, Burt Shavitz has become recognizable worldwide yet, despite his celebrity status, the reclusive Shavitz remains committed to living off the land and keeping true to his humble beginnings. By learning the story of Burt’s life, Burt’s Buzz can open people’s minds to the importance of using natural products, living sustainably and the potential for people to create home-grown businesses from their own personal life experiences and local surroundings. Burt’s Buzz offers a unique opportunity for these diverse communities to meet, learn more about each other and develop relationships that may end up creating new opportunities in the areas they both care about.

 

Here is a link to watch the film’s trailer: BURT’S BUZZ TRAILER


[internship]: Social media promotion for films about community gardening

Interested in food systems? Community gardening? Social media advertising/promotion? Event planning?

UW Anthropology Professor Ann Anagnost is looking for a motivated student to assist with promotion of a mini-film festival for amateurs for the American Community Gardening Association Meetings at the UW in August 2013.

Possible option to earn service learning credit for spring quarter.

contact: Professor Ann Anagnost: anagnost@uw.edu


[event] A Story Runs Through It: Neighborhood Film Celebration Awards

October 17th //  7:00PM // SIFF Cinema Uptown

FREE ADMISSION

Join the community in celebrating great neighborhood stories! This culminating event of The Next Fifty’s Civic Action Month celebrates a project that has captured stories about Seattle’s civic fabric through short films from the Seattle area residents of all ages. 

The Celebration and Awards features winning films in the categories of Youth Filmmaker, Adult Filmmakes, and Civic Relevance, as well as other selected videos.

Previews of some of the film submissions along with more information about the event are located HERE


[event] – ‘The Future of Food’ Documentary Film Screening

On Thursday, February 16, the Clowes Center for the Study of Conflict and Dialogue will screen The Future of Food, a documentary about the complex issues surrounding the massive changes happening in the food system today.  In the words of the film’s director, Deborah Koons Garcia,
“(t)his is a film that is not just watched, it’s used. It motivates people to take action, even if it’s just voting with their fork. The Future of Food has already helped influence policy. It’s exciting to think that the film could have a role in creating a healthier future for everyone.”
 
Our guest speaker will be Heather Day, Co-Founder of the Community Alliance for Global Justice (CAGJ) and UW alumnus.  She will describe some of the work that CAGJ does to build local, sustainable food practices in Washington and around the world.  Questions from the audience are encouraged.
Thursday, February 16th at 2:30pm in UW’s Allen Auditorium.
 
The Future of Food is the second installment of the Clowes Center’s quarterly film/speaker series, “Rethinking Citizenship, Democracy and Activism: Local-Global Entanglements.”  Our spring quarter film will be 23rd and Union.  Directed by Rafael Flores, this docu-drama weaves real interviews with fictional characters to investigate the 2008 murder of Degene Berecha in the popular Seattle restaurant “Philadelphia Cheese-Steak”.  The film is an ADAPTED story, based on a range of stories by people acquainted with the victim and convicted murderer.  It is used as a vehicle to discuss gentrification and the tension between young African-American men, Ethiopian immigrants and gay couples in Seattle’s Central District.  Flores will be on hand after the screening for a discussion period.
Thursday, May 3 at 7:00pm in the Langston Hughes Performing Arts Center.
 
For more information, please see our website: http://depts.washington.edu/clowes1/.
We look forward to seeing you at the screenings!