Join the Sustainable Living Festival for a free screening of To Which We Belong at Loop Bar in Melbourne’s CBD.

You might have heard that regenerative agriculture is the next big tool in the fight against the climate crisis, but… what is it? And why is everyone suddenly talking about it as our next great hope? To Which We Belong highlights farmers and ranchers leaving behind conventional practices that are no longer profitable or sustainable and embracing Regenerative Agriculture.

The film will be preceded by the Australian Short Film about the Oakhill Food Justice Farm, which is a project of Sustain: The Australia Food Network.

OAKHILL FOOD JUSTICE FARM

In June 2021, the Melbourne Anglican Church, encouraged by the City of Darebin, granted a 2-year lease of its empty vicarage and garden at St Mary’s Church, Preston, to the national sustainable food systems organisation, Sustain: The Australian Food Network. The perspectives and images captured in the short film ‘Oakhill’ tell the story of the first part of the site’s transformation, from an abandoned and unloved space, into a centre for connection, education, and healthy food growing. While still in its early stages, the film offers a tantalising glimpse into what’s possible, not just at this site in Preston, but in thousands of others like it across the whole country.

PANEL DISCUSSION
This screening will be followed by a panel discussion with

Dr Kelly Donati, an ethnographer in gastronomy and agriculture. Kelly developed and currently lectures in Australia’s first Bachelor of Food Studies and Master of Food Systems and Gastronomy at William Angliss Institute and is the founding Chairperson of Sustain: the Australian Food Network, a not-for-profit organisation which undertakes food system policy work for local government and beyond. Her teaching and research are focused on the multispecies interactions of the food system. She has a particular interest in urban agriculture as a strategy for creating more edible cities. She loves composting almost as much as gardening and cooking.

Thuch Ajak is the co-founder of the United African Farm, an initiative that brought members of the African community living in Victoria together to grow culturally appropriate crops and share their culture. Thuch Ajak graduated with Bsc (Hons) in Agriculture (Majoring in Crop Protection) and has worked at the ministry of Agriculture in the department of plant protection in Sudan. He volunteered at CERES and worked briefly at Joe’s market garden where his passion for farming was ignited.

Thuch Ajak current work is as a Refugee resource hub manager and he
and volunteers for the Living and learning centre, MEMP (Multicultural emergency management partnership and Radio broadcaster at Casey Community radio.

Event MC: Costa Georgiadis, landscape architect, environmental educator & television presenter who has an all-consuming passion for plants and people. As co-creator and host of Costa’s Garden Odyssey for SBS, he caught the attention of a nation. Since 2013, Costa has continued his journey as the much-loved host of one of ABC-TV’s most iconic and Logie award-winning programs, Gardening Australia. Beyond the screen, Costa is deeply involved with the importance of biodiversity and habitat, regenerative agriculture, permaculture, and holistic land practices that deal with the issues arising from a rapidly urbanising world. He lives and breathes gardening, relishing the natural world and our connection to it.

To Which We Belong highlights farmers and ranchers leaving behind conventional practices that are no longer profitable or sustainable and embracing Regenerative Agriculture.

Hosted by The Sustainable Living Festival, screening as part of The Transitions Film Festival (Feb 18 – March 13)

This film has been exempt from classification and is restricted to people over 15 years. People under 15 must be accompanied by an adult.

LOOP PROJECT SPACE & BAR

Loop is a Melbourne institution and has been supporting emerging artists, musicians, and community since 2003. Located in the heart of Melbourne’s CBD, Loop Project Space & Bar is a melting pot for emerging filmmakers, DJs and experimental musicians, designers, writers, progressive thinkers, social innovators, and environmental activists. Our venue offers large-format screens, the Void surround sound system, superlative AV facilities, and a licenced bar and kitchen menu – all cloaked within a lush green envelope of hanging baskets and indoor forest. More information: Loop Project Space & Bar

Please cancel tickets if you are no longer able to attend this event to allow tickets to be reallocated.