Still from The Dark Side of Chocolate.

What started as an idea to show one food film in Menomonie has become an eight-week series both in Menomonie and Eau Claire. Food for Thought is a first of its kind in the Valley, both in its focus of showing food films and uniting both communities in an ongoing discussion about regional and national food production issues. Trevor Peterson, one of the festival organizers, said, "It's refreshing to look around you and see people who are doing the same thing. With Food for Thought we expanded the audience. We went from showing one movie to two movies and now we are at eight! We have a common goal, which is to educate." One of the best aspects of the series is that, not only will they be showing food films, but combining those screenings with talks by community members who have a direct stake in the issue covered in the film. For instance, the screening of Vanishing of the Bees in Menomonie will also feature a presentation by the Dunn County Beekeepers. While progressive film festivals can get, frankly, a little depressing, this series seeks to unite the two communities and be positive and upbeat. "We are hoping that it is entertaining, and also that we reach a wider audience," Peterson says. "It's going to be a really dynamic approach to a film festival." The festival kicks off October 11 in the Council Fire Room of Davies Center at UW-Eau Claire with a screening of Forks Over Knives at 6:30pm, and will continue with a weekly screening alternating between both cities. Visit VolumeOne.org and see future issues of the magazine for all the films and screening info.

Food For Thought Film Series • Oct. 11-Nov. 29 • various locations in Eau Claire & Menomonie • times vary • FREE • all ages