Documentary Debates Food Change

The documentary "Carne: A Pegada Insustentável" (Meat: The Unsustainable Footprint) was screened on 10 May at the Fernando Lopes Cinema, located on the Lusófona University Campus in Lisbon. This is the first Portuguese film to incisively address the urgency of a change in global eating patterns, promoting a plant-based diet over one based on animal protein. The launch event brought together a diverse audience, including students, experts and food sustainability advocates.

This project is a collaboration between independent MEP Francisco Guerreiro, from the European Parliamentary Group Greens/European Free Alliance, and film director Hugo Almeida. With the participation of various organisations, such as the Portuguese Vegetarian Association and the Street Animals Association. The feature film aims to educate and raise awareness about the environmental and ethical impacts of meat production.

The film's narrative is built on interviews with more than 20 national and international experts who discuss the challenges and benefits of a plant-based diet. Among the participants are George Monbiot, biologist and columnist for "The Guardian", and Ivone and Joep Ingen Housz, founders of the Quinta das Águias animal sanctuary. Filmed in locations such as Portugal, Lebanon, the UK, France and Belgium, the documentary offers a comprehensive view of the global impacts of livestock farming and the advantages of a transition to a more sustainable diet.

The premiere of the film is scheduled for 25 November at 6.30pm at the same venue, promising to broaden the debate on sustainable food and the steps needed to mitigate the effects of climate change through conscious food choices.

Go here to explore the full content of the event, access the programme and check information on future exhibitions

See photos of the event on ULusófona's Facebook page

Photography
Marta Feiteira