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Dinner and a Movie at JCSM

The Jule Collins Smith Museum presents the 2008-2009 Southern Circuit Tour of Independent Filmmakers
September’s Movie, Ripe for Change, Documents the Need for Change in American Agriculture

AUBURN, Ala.-– The Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art is pleased to present the fascinating film “Ripe for Change” on September 16, 2008 at 7:30 pm, as part of the Southern Arts Federation’s Southern Circuit Tour of Independent Filmmakers. Following the screening of his documentary, producer Jed Riffe will engage the audience in a discussion about the film and his work as a filmmaker.

Debates over agriculture and sustainability have profound implications for all of America. This captivating documentary explores the intersection of food and politics in California over the last 30 years, revealing the trade-offs between mass production, human health, and environmental balance. Featuring provocative commentary by a wide array of eloquent farmers, prominent chefs, noted authors and scientists, the film examines a host of thorny questions: What are the trade-offs between the ability to produce large quantities of food versus the health of workers, consumers and the planet? What are the hidden costs of “inexpensive” food? How do we create sustainable agricultural practices?

“Ripe for Change” has won numerous awards, including the Tucson Slow Food Film Festival Best of the Best, Mendocino Film Festival Special Jury Award, the Golden Eagle from Cine Washington, DC, and Best Eco Film from Wine Country Film Festival. It was directed by award-winning filmmaker Emiko Omori.

The JCSM Museum Café is also excited to offer a delicious, specialty buffet before the film presentation of “Ripe for Change.” Make a night out of it and enjoy a fabulous dinner with your family and friends, created by the museum’s exclusive caterer Ursula Higgins, before enjoying the film. The buffet is just $15 per person plus gratuity and a cash bar is available to guests 21 and over. Dinner will be served from 6-7:30pm and the movie begins at 7:30pm. Reservations are requested but not required. Please call the Museum Café at 334-844-7016 to reserve your place or with questions.

The Southern Circuit Tour of Independent Filmmakers is the nation’s only regional tour of independent filmmakers. It is a program of the Southern Arts Federation, a nonprofit regional arts organization making a positive difference in the arts throughout the South since 1975. The film series is presented in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts and the Jule Collins Smith Museum. The films and filmmakers featured in the 2008-2009 Tour are:

• September 16, 2008 at 7:30pm
  Ripe for Change with Jed Riffe, producer.
  This documentary explores the intersection of food and politics in California over the last 30 years, highlighting debates over agriculture and sustainability that have profound implications for all of America.

• October 21, 2008 at 7:30pm
  Counting Backwards with Aprill Winney, director.
  A narrative feature about a man diagnosed with Leukemia, which tells the story of his inner struggle to change his life and embrace romance and passion in the time he has left to live.

• November 11, 2008 at 7:30pm
  The Meaning of Tea with Scott Chamberlin-Hoyt, director and producer.
  This beautiful film takes viewers on an exploratory journey around the globe to divine the true meaning of tea by looking into the role it plays in various cultural rituals.

• February 17, 2009 at 7:30pm
  Member of the Club: A New Orleans Cinderella Story with Phoebe Ferguson, director.
  This documentary tells the story of a debutante who has been groomed to be a New Orleans Mardi Gras Queen since she was an infant. Member of the Club uses the story of Marisa Mitchell to explore black social clubs of the South, as well as issues of race, class and the powerful desire of an American family to belong.
  

• March 24, 2009 at 7:30pm
  All About Us with Christine Swanson, director and Michael Swanson, producer.
  All About Us tells the story of Ed and Stacey Brown, two young African-American filmmakers struggling to make it in Hollywood. Their plan to succeed takes them to Mississippi, where they are confronted with a warmer reality that inspires the healing of family rifts.
  

• April 14, 2009 at 7:30pm
  A Man Named Pearl with Scott Galloway, producer/director.
  A Man Named Pearl is a documentary that imparts the inspiring tale of self-taught topiary artist Pearl Fryar and shows what one person can achieve when he allows himself to share the full expression of his humanity.

CONTACT: Colleen Bourdeau, Marketing and Events Manager
334.844.7075
cbourdeau@auburn.edu