Food documentaries engage with a subject that everyone can relate to. These informative and entertaining films reveal shocking facts about what we eat. They cover issues such as obesity, industrial agriculture and the ways that everyday foods can harm our health. Here are seven prime examples of the genre that can be downloaded from on-demand movie services.
King Corn (2007) investigates how government subsidies have made corn a staple of the American diet. The documentary follows the journey of two inexperienced men as they try to grow their own acre of the grain in accordance with modern farming methods. The subject matter proves captivating as distressing facts about American’s dependence on corn are revealed. Complex concepts are illustrated with amusing stop-motion animation.
Killer at Large (2008) discusses America’s obesity crisis and its dire consequences for the health of the nation. It examines the social and political causes of the epidemic in a straightforward, no nonsense way. The film reveals how food manufacturers have influenced government eating and exercise guidelines. It also provides evidence that fear and stress among the US population have contributed to weight gain.
Food, Inc. (2008) looks inside America’s corporate controlled food industry. It investigates how multinational companies overlook health and safety issues in their quest to maximise production and profits. The film shows that livestock, agricultural workers, consumers and the environment are all adversely affected. It also offers examples of good farming practices and explains what individuals can do to make a difference.
Food Matters (2008) is an exploration into the ways that foods affect people’s health. It examines the connection between diet and the development, prevention and treatment of heart disease, cancer, diabetes and depression. The film claims that the pharmaceutical industry profits by conspiring to keep people unhealthy. It encourages the use of vitamins, minerals and good nutrition instead of prescription medications.
Dive! (2010) directly confronts the issue of grocery waste. Film maker Jeremy Seifert feeds himself by salvaging perfectly edible items from supermarket garbage receptacles. The documentary follows him and his family and friends as they engage in dumpster diving. The film calls attention to the fact that 50% of produce ends up in the trash when it should be going to the millions of impoverished and malnourished Americans.
Farmageddon (2011) investigates the phenomenon of government raids on small family farms. It explores the relationship between politics and agriculture through interviews with farmers harassed by federal agents. The film reveals that livestock, produce and equipment have been confiscated when no law has been broken. There appears to be a political agenda to protect the monopoly of industrial agriculture and limit consumer choice.
Super Size Me (2004) is often cited among the most enjoyable food documentaries. After McDonald’s Restaurants were repeatedly sued for causing chronic health complaints, film-maker Morgan Spurlock set out to test the evidence. His experiment consisted of surviving on nothing but McDonald’s meals for an entire month. Although the diet proved harmful to his heart and liver, many of the eating scenes are hilarious.
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