11th Annual Slow Food Springfield Film Festival, Saturday, January 26, 2019

A film festival for everyone interested in learning about people, places and history behind their food is planned for Saturday, January 26, 2019, in Foundation Hall at the Old State Capitol State Historic Site (Level 2) in Springfield from 5:30 – 9:00 p.m.

Slow Food Springfield, Illinois Department of Natural Resources, and the Old State Capitol Foundation are partnering to present the 11th Annual Slow Food Springfield Film Festival. “These films tell the stories behind our food and can increase awareness and interest in our food system," says Liz Rupel and Deborah Cavanaugh-Grant, Slow Food Springfield board members and co-chairs for the festival.

This year’s festival will feature a screening of the film A Break from the Herd at 7:00 p.m. The film follows a scientist in South Dakota, a farmer in Kansas, and a winemaker in Oregon. Their stories explore standing up for the integrity of scientific research, persisting against all odds to grow healthy soil, and persevering to conserve natural resources. Through first-hand accounts they share the risks taken, the trials endured and the paths forged in order to inspire better ways of improving our food and wine production systems.

Following the screening, Slow Food Springfield has invited three individuals to participate in a Q&A. What better way to tie in the lessons learned from the film than to talk to the experts that are working on conservation efforts right here in Illinois? We will hear from Susan Danenberger, Owner and winemaker at Danenberger Vineyards; Richard Lyons, Soil Health Champion Farmer, cover crop specialist; and Arvin Pierce, Owner of Acbees Apiaries and bee expert.

The event will begin at 5:30 p.m. with a presentation by Alana Reynolds, Slow Food Springfield board member and Slow Food USA Delegate at Terra Madre, Turin Italy. “I am very excited to share my Terra Madre experience with others! It is a monumental event and I am amazed and inspired by the global participation within the Slow Food organization”, says Reynolds. Alana will explain the process of becoming a delegate, show photos taken during her trip, and some highlights from conference sessions she attended.

Starting at 6:00 p.m., a light dinner, provided Denise Perry Chef/Owner, Copper Pot Cooking Studio and coffee, by Custom Cup Coffee, will be available for purchase.

Prior to the screening, recipients of the 2018 Slow Food Springfield Snail of Approval Award will be recognized. The Snail of Approval is an initiative of Slow Food Springfield that recognizes those that who are making significant contributions to the quality, authenticity, and sustainability of the food supply of Central Illinois. Awards are provided in these categories: educational entity, farmer. purveyer/retailer/wholesaler, restaurant, and value-added producer.

Admission is $7.00 per person ($5.00 for Slow Food Springfield members). Students with a student ID are free.

The Old State Capitol State Historic Site may be accessed from the parking garage below the Old State Capitol. Entrance to the garage is on 6th Street (heading north). Parking is $1.50/hour. The garage will be open until 9:00 pm. The garage can also be accessed from the Adams Street Plaza through the small brick building with the green metal roof. Using the elevator or stairs, go down one level (UL Parking).

More information is available at www.slowfoodspringfield.org or contact Deborah Cavanaugh-Grant, 217-341-0398, slowfoodspringfield@gmail.com