The 'Month of Conscious Eating. Let's talk about how we produce and how we eat' will arrive in Calahorra on 23 and 24 October with a new cycle of documentary films. The Municipal Youth Centre will host the screenings of four documentaries that invite viewers to reflect on fundamental issues related to our food systems, including agriculture's relationship with the land, ecosystem regeneration, biodiversity, the future of rural areas, and various methods of food production.
On Friday, 23 October, the programme will begin at 18:00 with 'Revivir el campo', directed by Diego García-Vega, which looks at the present and future of rural life. Following this, at 18:45, 'Wilding' by David Allen will be screened, addressing ecosystem recovery and nature's regenerative capacity.
On Saturday, 24 October, the first screening will be 'Mi gran pequeña granja', directed by John Chester, at 11:30. This documentary is particularly appealing to families, showcasing an agricultural transformation based on biodiversity and harmony with the environment. The cycle will conclude on the same day at 19:00 with 'Ganado o desierto', directed by Francisco José Vaquero Robustillo, which focuses on livestock farming and land management in light of current environmental challenges.
“We want to bring stories and experiences to the public that help us better understand what lies behind the food we consume. Film is an extraordinary tool to spark curiosity, challenge preconceived ideas, and open conversations that we usually do not have about how we produce and how we eat,” said Alfonso Lacuesta, president of the Regenerative and Resilient Food Culture Association, which organises the campaign in collaboration with the Government of La Rioja.
After the four screenings, discussion and debate sessions will be held to share impressions and delve deeper into the issues raised by the documentaries. All sessions will take place at the Municipal Youth Centre with free entry until full capacity is reached.
“In Calahorra, we conclude the three cycles of documentaries, but we do not want to close the conversation. On the contrary, our intention is for the questions that arise from watching these films to accompany us beyond the screenings and help us rethink our relationship with food, those who produce our food, and the land,” Lacuesta explained.
He emphasised that the campaign's purpose is not to provide definitive answers or prescribe a single correct way to eat. “We do not want to tell anyone what they should eat. We aim to offer information, showcase alternatives, and create spaces where we can ask questions and make more conscious decisions.”
This environmental education and awareness campaign, which will run until 5 November, will continue with other activities across La Rioja. The 'Month of Conscious Eating' begins with a simple question: do we really know what lies behind the food we consume every day? Through its various activities, the initiative aims to bring this reflection to consumers, producers, the educational community, social agents, and institutions, highlighting that food is not just an individual issue but is closely linked to soil care, biodiversity conservation, the future of rural areas, and the sustainability of our food systems.
