Everyday Activist - Theater of Life

Posted on Thursday, January 12, 2017 at 11:30 PM

Theater of Life

Movie Review by Everyday Activist X CalgaryMovies.com

When I received notice that Theater of Life was coming to Calgary. I immediately said yes to review it. Using food waste to feed vulnerable populations is something I’ve been experimenting with for over a year now as a volunteer of LeftOvers Calgary and Food for Peace. Apparently, I’m not alone.

In 2015, using the waste food from the Milan Expo, Chef Massimo Bottura came up with the idea to have chefs from around the world to come to Italy to cook for the city’s vulnerable populations, immigrants, homeless, disabled and working poor. Refettorio Ambrassiano, where the meals were held, was an old theatre that artists transformed. Director, Peter Svark from the National Film Board does a fantastic job interviewing various people throughout the documentary, so we actually feel like we are watching people’s stories unfold; making it a true Theater of Life.

My favorite part of the film was Svark’s interviews with the homeless and chefs. From these interviews immediately we find out that there’s a huge disconnect between the chefs and the clients they serve. While I know Massimo’s heart is in the right place, giving hungry people tiny portions found in upscale restaurants is a bit ridiculous. I think he could have done more if he had giant eco-fundraising dinner, since they are using food waste, charge people who could afford $60 a plate and given the money to the appropriate agencies to help these people deal with more pressing issues such as finding a safe place to sleep. Having volunteered in the DI kitchen I KNOW food is an issue, but it’s not the only one.

The film really isn’t that long, but somehow Svark manages to weave in the stories of different people whom visit the Refettorio. Bob Dylan’s song, Like a Rolling Stone, features prominently in the film, lending a back drop to the narratives. Some of them have managed to create a new life, while others still require a hand up. This is the real Theater of Life. Everyone has a unique story that is worthy of movie or at least a YouTube miniseries. I’m sad that homelessness exists when it doesn’t have to. Just to the south of us, Medicine Hat has solved its issue. Can Calgary be next?

From the movie poster and trailer, you can see that breaking bread is a featured theme of the film. While we won’t necessarily break bread, maybe we can share some popcorn at the Globe Cinema on opening night Friday, January 13, 2017 at 7 pm. The film runs straight through until January 19th, 2017 with two showings nightly at 7 pm and 9 pm with an addition two times 1 pm and 3 pm on Saturday and Sunday.

If you want to help out locally to rescue food from the trash to get to plates on the table, Food for Peace and LeftOvers Calgary are always looking for volunteers and donations. The founder of Food for Peace has been involved with cooking at the DI for 18 years, while FFP has been a registered charity for over 10 years. If you would like to support Chef Massimo’s project Food for Soul, you can visit his website.

Calgary Showtimes: Theater of Life >