2008 Woodie Awards
'Earthlings' against animal cruelty
Daniel Potter
Issue date: 4/10/08 Section: News
Earthlings, a documentary about the treatment of animals, will screen for free in the Keathley University Center Theater on Monday, April 14, at 7 p.m., courtesy the MTSU Films Committee and Students for Environmental Action.
"It's about the way animals are treated in society today," said Kenny Torrella, a sophomore recording industry major and SEA member who lead the push to show the film on campus. "When I first saw it, I knew that I just wanted other people to see it."
"The whole point is to get people to think of animals not just as commodities," said Torrella, a self-proclaimed vegan, eschewing all animal products from his diet.
Torrella aims to encourage critical thinking about animal cruelty, and to that end a question-and-answer panel will follow the film, along with free vegan snacks.
The producers of the film gave permission to show it without any charge, and "this shows the absolute selflessness of the makers of Earthlings," Torrella said.
The film, which is narrated by Joaquin Phoenix, is "tasteful, informative and empowering," Torrella said, though some aspects of it may discomfort viewers. To deplore violence against animals, one must first acknowledge it.
"It's not shock value whatsoever," Torrella said
Danny McClain, a sophomore graphic design major who made fliers for Monday's showing, said parts of the film may indeed be shocking, but it is geared to "empower [its audience] to do something."
"It's not just an animal issue. It's an everyone issue," McClain said. "It's about everything, all in one."
Reggie Miller, a senior recording industry major and co-chair of SEA, said the showing of Earthlings leads neatly into the organization's Earth Week activities; Earth Day is April 22, and SEA will mark it with a substantial presence on the KUC Knoll, including demonstrations of alternative transportation, as well as vegetarian dining.
Consuming meat has a considerable environmental impact, including water usage and deforestation, Miller said.
"We're not saying everyone has to go vegan, but if you can cut down the meat in your diet, it makes a big impact," Miller said.
"It's about the way animals are treated in society today," said Kenny Torrella, a sophomore recording industry major and SEA member who lead the push to show the film on campus. "When I first saw it, I knew that I just wanted other people to see it."
"The whole point is to get people to think of animals not just as commodities," said Torrella, a self-proclaimed vegan, eschewing all animal products from his diet.
Torrella aims to encourage critical thinking about animal cruelty, and to that end a question-and-answer panel will follow the film, along with free vegan snacks.
The producers of the film gave permission to show it without any charge, and "this shows the absolute selflessness of the makers of Earthlings," Torrella said.
The film, which is narrated by Joaquin Phoenix, is "tasteful, informative and empowering," Torrella said, though some aspects of it may discomfort viewers. To deplore violence against animals, one must first acknowledge it.
"It's not shock value whatsoever," Torrella said
Danny McClain, a sophomore graphic design major who made fliers for Monday's showing, said parts of the film may indeed be shocking, but it is geared to "empower [its audience] to do something."
"It's not just an animal issue. It's an everyone issue," McClain said. "It's about everything, all in one."
Reggie Miller, a senior recording industry major and co-chair of SEA, said the showing of Earthlings leads neatly into the organization's Earth Week activities; Earth Day is April 22, and SEA will mark it with a substantial presence on the KUC Knoll, including demonstrations of alternative transportation, as well as vegetarian dining.
Consuming meat has a considerable environmental impact, including water usage and deforestation, Miller said.
"We're not saying everyone has to go vegan, but if you can cut down the meat in your diet, it makes a big impact," Miller said.
Viewing Comments 1 - 1 of 1
veganFuture
posted 4/11/08 @ 6:53 PM CST
Fantastic idea. Good luck with the evening.
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