BARTERTOWN: A VEGAN MANIFESTO (6 MIN, USA)
DIRECTOR: HEATHER DEKLEINE, BLAINE REINSMA, DAVID B. WITWER
WORLD PREMIERE
Bartertown Diner, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, is setting out to change the restaurant world. Going against the traditional lines of capitalism, their focus is on being sustainable in every aspect of their business. The workers form a collective, where everyone makes the same amount of money and has equal say in what they do within the restaurant. Everything in the restaurant is reused or was bought pre-owned. All of the food is fresh and local, an important part of their view of sustainability. They offer cooking class to teach their customers how to both shop local and eat healthy. At first glance, Bartertown appears to be a normal restaurant, but once you dig deeper, you realize it is much more.
Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z4REob1pgfw
NOTHING LIKE CHOCOLATE (67MIN, GRENADA)
DIRECTOR: KUM-KUM BHAVNANI
WORLD PREMIERE
From currency to candy chocolate reflects a rich history saturated with sacredness, endorphin highs, hip anti-oxidants, exotic sensuality and high quality luxury ... and enslaved children. Anarcho-visionary Mott Green makes a deliciously radical difference with chocolate, to challenge the industrial giants who often use cocoa harvested by exploited and trafficked child labour. NOTHING LIKE CHOCOLATE (narrator Susan Sarandon) tells the compelling and intimate stories of anarchist chocolate-maker, Mott Green, founder of the Grenada Chocolate Company Co-operative and independent cocoa farmer, Nelice Stewart. This tiny tree-to-bar factory co-operative turns out luscious, organic and ethical creations. In a world saturated with industrial chocolate, often made with cocoa harvested by child labour in West Africa, this factory, working alongside farmers like Nelice, turns out a deliciously radical experience.
Trailer:http://vimeo.com/38528342
CHILD 31 (32MIN, UNITED KINGDOM, INDIA, KENYA, MALAWI)
DIRECTOR: CHARLES KINNANE
WORLD PREMIERE
Follow one of CNN's Heroes, Magnus MacFarlane-Barrow as we get a glimpse into his simple, yet groundbreaking, idea that is working to lift the developing world out of poverty. Hailed by Gerard Butler and Anderson Cooper, Mary's Meals' life-changing work helps to give a face to hunger's deadly numbers.