FilmShop Brooklyn’s fall 2010 season ended with something old and something new. Graham Meriwether screened the first 20 minutes of his documentary “American Meat,” which long-time FilmShoppers have seen in various stages during its production, and Doug Hosdale screened a rough cut of his new short comedy called “The Duel.”

“American Meat” examines the complex economics and ethics of the nation’s meat industry: how it grew into the factory farm system we have today, and how a growing movement of independent farmers are proposing alternative arrangements. Graham has shared all manner of raw footage and rough cuts over the past few years. At the start of the season, in fact, he screened a version of the film’s introduction that lasted almost 40 minutes. FilmShoppers agreed that his newest cut, some 20 minutes shorter, retains the work’s power while helping clarify challenges faced by individual farmers. Indeed, this farmer-centric angle distinguishes “American Meat” from all of the recent food-related documentaries that have premiered in recent years—it’s one film definitely worth watching when it debuts.

Ending on a light-hearted note, Doug Hosdale screened “The Duel.” It follows two history geeks as they re-create famous historic duels to win the lasting affections of a woman, beginning with the famed face-off against Aaron Burr that cost Alexander Hamilton his life. Without giving too much away about the ending, suffice it to say that neither man poses a threat to Takeru Kobayashi or Joey Chestnut. Doug served as director of photography on “The Duel.” Also joining us to hear FilmShop’s comments was Alec Pollak, one of the film’s producers. Interestingly, they began working together on the project—along with writer and co-producer Kris Keeley and director Zorikh Lequidre—after the quartet responded to a meetup.com posting seeking film collaborators.

That’s it for this season of FilmShop but save the date for Saturday, January 8, 2011 when FilmShop presents “Regifted,” a night of short films and music. Works from the Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Hong Kong FilmShop chapters will be shown. Festivities also include a gift swap, photo booth, and live music from Living Days, Xylos, DJ Jan Woo, and VJ Shantell Martin. Doors open 8 p.m. at The Music Hall of Williamsburg, 66 North 6th Street, Brooklyn. Admission is $10 at the door.

Watch the Film

A couple passionate about creating no waste, has a baby.

Sarah and Kyle made zero waste one month in February 2006. That month, Sarah became pregnant. How will a couple so dedicated to creating zero waste do at raising a baby? What will they do about diapers?

Principal Crew

• Produced by Graham Meriwether
• Edited by Kieran O’Hare
• Assistant Editor : Prerna Bhardwaj

Official Site

TRT: 7:19

WATCH THE TRAILER

The way we see meat is changing.

Work-in-progress

American Meat explores the complexities embedded in the highly debated practices of the American meat industry. As the economy drives a contraction of conventional chicken, pork and beef operations, we hear the innovative methods of the charismatic, Virginia-based farmer, Joel Salatin. Joel, who is a leader of the growing niche of people who are opting for animals raised outside and without the use of antibiotics, believes that if more people become sustainable farmers, the movement could fracture centralized commodity production.
Conventional farmers argue that small-scale farming can’t expand production enough to adequately meet the demands of the nation. As the dialogue ensues, Salatin signs a deal with fast-food chain Chipotle in a surprising move, with widespread implications for the industry.

PRINCIPAL CREW

Director, Cinematographer & Producer: Graham Meriwether
Producer: Alejandro de Onis
Producer: Carlye Rubin
Editor: Memo Salazar
Consulting Producer: Tom Jennings

AWARDS AND ACCOLADES

Chosen to be apart of the 2009 Producer’s Institute at Bay Area Video Coalition (BAVC).

Additional Information

IMDB
The Official Site
TRT: 70 minutes
An interactive website, LeaveItBetter.com, is being launched in concert with the release of the film, to provide a place where the audience can go to share ideas and take action after watching the feature.

We are also developing lesson plans, and educational extras for distribution in colleges and high-schools.