In “Follow the Drinking Gourd,” film director Shirah Dedman explores the Black food justice movement in a 60-minute documentary. On July 19, a collaborative group of community-based partners and organizations under the flag of Austin Eats brings a free screening of the film to the Austin neighborhood.
The film connects the legacy of slavery, capitalism and climate change to our fight for food security, a quest familiar to Austin Eats as it works to transform Austin’s food ecosystem. This free event invites “those who live, work, play, or worship in Austin” to join a lively discussion about local food access. After the film, attendees will be able to learn from a panel of West Side gardeners who will share their love of gardening and answer questions on how to create and keep a garden.
The screening will be hosted at BUILD Chicago’s urban farm, 5100 W. Harrison St., in a family-friendly and fun environment featuring food, music and activities for all ages.
The event starts at 6:30 p.m., providing attendees an opportunity to enjoy music by DJ Deon inspired by the 50th anniversary of hip hop, smores by the firepit and activities by community organizations. Youth who participate in the Austin Grown program will offer tours of BUILD’s urban farm, where attendees will be able to see the raised garden beds, greenhouses, fruit orchard and chicken coop. There will be a raffle of farm fresh eggs and chef demonstrations of healthy eating recipes. Vegan World Café will serve fresh bites.
At 8 p.m., the film screening begins, followed by a discussion. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own chair or blanket and invite friends of all ages to this free event. To register, visit the event website at oneearthfilmfest.org/movie-at-the-farm
This event is organized by Austin Eats, a working group of Austin Coming Together with partners such as BUILD Chicago, Beyond Hunger, Austin Town Hall City Market, A House in Austin, YourPassion1st, One Earth Local, Austin Community Food Co-Op, Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital, Chicago Grows Food and the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.
