Must-See Plant-Based Films

I’ve already mentioned a number of influential films which introduce WFPB diets for human health as well as veganism, where the emphasis is also strongly on animal welfare and environmental protection. Such films as Forks Over Knives, Cowspiracy, and What The Health. However, there are a number of other films that I would recommend you take a look at and, if you are so inclined, introduce to your family and friends.

H.O.P.E – What You Eat Matters

HOPE – What You Eat Matters is a life-changing documentary uncovering and revealing the effects of our typical Western diet on our health, the environment and animals. Featuring Jane Goodall, T. Colin Campbell, Caldwell B. Esselstyn, Vandana Shiva, Melanie Joy and many other experts. Available for free on YouTube:

Let Us Be Heroes – The true Cost of Our Food Choices

How much difference can one person make? Let Us Be Heroes explores the impact of our food and lifestyle choices on our health, our home planet and our values by sharing inspiring stories from athletes, food and fashion entrepreneurs, a public speaker and an ocean warrior fighting to protect people, planet and animals. Available for free on YouTube:

Vegan 2017 – The Film

Covers the ever growing vegan movement and how it’s best for the animals, human health, and the planet. Available for free on YouTube:

Vegan 2018 – The Film

Following on from the 2017 film, Vegan 2018 – The Film sees a movement in its ascendancy, showing how more people are starting to move away from the ethical, environmental, and health horrors of animal exploitation. A number of celebrities including Lewis Hamilton and Moby share their views. Available for free on YouTube:

Running For Good – The Fiona Oakes Documentary

From the director of Cowspiracy and What The Health, Keegan Kuhn, this sports documentary is narrated by Rich Roll and follows world record marathon runner Fiona Oakes in her attempt not only to set a new global record in endurance racing, but to compete in the “toughest footrace on earth,” the Marathon Des Sables, a 250km race through the Sahara Desert in an aim to raise the plight of animals. A fascinating interview with Fiona and Keegan Kuhn by Rich Roll is available for free on YouTube, while the film itself can be rented (downloaded) for £3.01:

Seaspiracy – What You Should Know About Fish & The Ocean

Seaspiracy is a short, eye-opening documentary created by The Friendly Activist. This 14 minute movie is packed full with data and facts about fishing and how the ingestion of fish is not only ruining our planet and its own oceans but is incredibly detrimental to our health. It also covers the forgotten victims, fish, are sentient beings who suffer from pain and stress when taken out of their natural environment. Available free on YouTube:

Dominion

Dominion uses drones, hidden and handheld cameras to expose the dark underbelly of modern animal agriculture, questioning the morality and validity of humankind’s dominion over the animal kingdom. While mainly focusing on animals used for food, it also explores other ways animals are exploited and abused by humans, including clothing, entertainment and research. Available for free at dominionmovement.com:

Final thoughts

Documentary films are a really powerful tool in our fight to help humans eat more healthily, and thereby avoid the horrid suffering and waste that diet-related diseases increasingly cause around the world. They also play a significant role in helping us to become aware of the true situation in relation to animal farming and the devastating environmental effects of our food choices.

Life-long dietary habits are perhaps one of the hardest things to change in one’s life; but without new information, what can we expect but that people will continue to consume what they’ve been brought up to regard as normal, acceptable, unquestioned.

Until new information is presented, there really can’t be any freedom of choice, and thus it’s hard to criticise people who simply don’t know any better. For me, it was watching Forks Over Knives that shattered the invisible screen that had prevented me from being aware of the realty of the harm caused by my own food choices – to me, to other animals and to the nature I would have claimed I already loved so much.

And since we all generally have a problem with being told what to do or having a sermon preached at us, being shown a well-produced documentary film is often the means by which the doors of perception are finally opened.