Movies that teach

This month, it’s time to learn a little.
Through HopeDance Magazine’s ongoing film series, moviegoers will follow locally grown food from the fields to the dinner table, learn about water rights, and explore the Mayan calendar.
The series kicks off Thursday with a screening of “Tableland,” a documentary about local growers, chefs, oyster farmers and bakers who treasure their Central Coast resources.
The event starts at 6 p.m. with dinner from Naked Food Live Cuisine, a raw food delivery service in San Luis Obispo, followed by the film at 7 p.m.
Afterward, there’s a talk by employees of HoneyMoon Café in Pismo Beach.
Tickets are $8 for dinner, or $25 for two people or $15 for one person for dinner and the movie.

December also features the following:

“Escape From Suburbia,” Dec. 10
Environmentally and socially savvy folks seek alternatives to the rampant materialism and waste plaguing today’s world.
The film is followed by a discussion with Cal Poly physics professors Peter Schwartz and Dave Hafemeister, plus Adam Hill, running for the county Board of Supervisors.
A $10 donation is suggested.

“A Drop of Life” and “Water: A Clear Solution,” Dec. 20
The first short film looks at how India and indigenous peoples deal with water, compared to the modern West. The second tackles water scarcity issues.
The event will feature a speaker from SLO Green Build discussing water conservation and sustainability practices.
Organizers suggest a $5 donation.

“In Between 2 Worlds,” Dec. 27
Ever wonder about the differences between the ancient Mayan calendar and the Gregorian calendar we use today?
Filmmaker José Jaramillo examines how measuring time can affect our psyche and our direction in the world. The Mayan scholar will speak at the screening.
A $10 donation is suggested.

All films will be screened at 7 p.m. at the San Luis Obispo City-County Library, 995 Palm St. in San Luis Obispo.
For more information, visit www.hopedance.org.

-- Sarah L.

Sure to get your tummy grumbling

Feeling hungry?
This month, HopeDance Magazine caters to folks with a love of food and a taste for progressive politics.
Tonight, a panel of speaker discusses local food and farmers following a screening of “Deconstructing Supper,” about restaurateur Joseph Bishops’s search for regional, nutritious food.
Among the speakers is Katy Budge, author of The Tribune’s “Local Flavors” column.
Finger food will be provided by Central Coast businesses including Clark Valley Organic Farm, American Flatbread Pizza and SLO-town Creamery.
That event starts tonight at 6 p.m. at the San Luis Obispo City-County Library, 995 Palm St. in San Luis Obispo. A donation of $5 is suggested.

Later this month, the magazine screens “Slow Food Revolution” at American Flatbread Pizza in Los Alamos.
Dinner will be served at 6:15 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 30, followed by the film and a discussion led by HopeDance’s Bob Banner.
The menu features tuna confit and shell bean salad, pulled pork or potato-and-leek flatbread, and an apple tart with honey ice cream. Tickets are $25.
To make a reservation, call 344-4400. Learn more at American Flatbread's Web site.

-- Sarah L.