Let Us Be Heroes Screening + Plant-based Meal + Panel Discussion

Let Us Be Heroes is a 40-minute short film by Rebecca Cappelli about how what we put in our plates has ripple effects on the world around us. It touched on some very emotional points for me especially when it showed some graphic clips. This is why it is imperative we go out of our comfort zones and watch the things that make us squirm and uncomfortable, to educate ourselves. It is because of films like this that we realize we are all part of a bigger picture, that when we put food on our plates we are making active and conscious decisions to be healthier, to be more compassionate of all living creatures, and to preserve resources for future generations. I was happy to see that the film touched base on the grounds of health, environment, animal rights, and even human rights.

The lovely Sodexo staff had prepared an entirely plant-based buffet for everyone to enjoy and I must say, it was an amazing meal with a variety of choices.

After we had watched the film, there was a panel discussion and there were some critical points raised. One of these points which I found interesting was that it was a privilege to be able to choose the plant-based lifestyle which was true seeing as a lot of people below the poverty threshold could not afford it. Others asked about the production of the film, how it was produced, and what else is in store for the filmmaker. I and a few others just wanted tips on getting started, educating friends and family, and how to be consistent.

They had kept bringing up knowing your “why”, as in “Why are you doing this in the first place?”. Once you identify a clear reason for choosing this lifestyle, it becomes easier to stick to it. It becomes easier to not fall into the so-called pleasure trap that society cultivates in order to make more profit. It becomes easier to be rid of this addiction of instant gratification and teaches us to become mindful consumers. It is in important conversations like these that we gain new knowledge and grow.