The San Diego International Film Festival (Oct 4-8, 2017) produced each year by the San Diego Film Foundation is proud to announce the Advisory Board of the Environmental & Sustainability Film Track in the 2017 Film Festival. The San Diego International Film Festival features topic specific tracks that present groundbreaking, independent films telling stories that resonate with San Diego patrons in a variety of areas. Other returning unique film tracks include American Indian, Military, and Social Justice with an additional new Equestrian Film Track.
Environmental film submissions are curated by the SDiFF staff and the Environmental Track Advisory Board.
2017 Environmental Advisory Board Members
Patty Elkus, Founding Board Chair. Scripps Institution of Oceanography Director’s Council, Mission Blue Board of Directors
Max Guinn, Founder of Kids Eco Club, CEO & Co-Founder Flashlight Foods, Co-Founder of Climate Change is 4 Real
Susan Guinn, Guinn Law Firm, Board Member San Diego Zoo Global
Susan McClellan, Director of Foundation Board at San Diego Zoo Global
Kerri Smith, Board of Directors of the Rainforest Alliance
Ashley Stone, President and Founder of The Bonobo Project
David J. Winkler, CEO and Co-Founder Del Mar Partnership, Inc., Chair of the DiabetesResearchConnection.org; cofounder and former Chair, Pediatric Diabetes Research Center, UCSD, and former board member of Nature and Culture International.
Executive and Artistic Director of the Festival, Tonya Mantooth shared, “Examining environmental issues is a passion we share with many research organizations in our community. Our Environmental Film Track allows us to keep up with the science and stories that affect our world and share them with a broad audience. Our Environmental Track Advisory Board has been formed with community members with strong ties to the science and advocacy of Environmental study. They help us to curate a selection of films with a focus on raising awareness and understanding of environmental issues.”
Patty Elkus, Founding Board Chair shared “I am actively involved in global environmental advocacy, in San Diego with my decade long service on the Director’s Council of the Scripps Institution of Oceanography and additional international ocean boards I serve on. I am thrilled to see the wide range of environmental issues that we will get to share this year through the SDIFF Environmental Track. The films explore a wide range of topics from Monsanto’s GMO testing in Hawaii, to wildlife conservation in Africa, to iconic oceanographer Walter Munk and his drive for “daring exploration”. I look forward to sharing these stories with the community.”
Max Guinn, teen Founder of Kids Eco Club, a youth organization that starts and supports environmental clubs in K-12 schools across the globe and a member of the SDiFF Environmental Advisory Board shared “I discovered my passion for the environment at a young age and want to inspire other kids to care for the planet, its wildlife and each other. I look forward to sharing that passion and outreach through involvement in the SDiFF Environmental film track. Film is a fantastic medium to engage my generation and spark their interest.”
Susan Guinn, Guinn Law Firm, shared “I am grateful to be a part of the Environmental Advisory Board for the San Diego International Film Festival. Film is a great way to inform the public about the environmental challenges facing our world. An educated and inspired public is critical to the mass adoption of scalable solutions. The best environmental films entertain, educate, and move us to action. This year’s selections deliver this and more.”
Susan McClellan, Director and Officer of the Foundation Board at San Diego Zoo Global and member of the SDiFF Environmental Advisory Board shared “Environmental and conservation advocacy have long been concerns of mine in the work that I do with San Diego Zoo Global, a recognized leader in saving animals from the brink of extinction. I welcome the opportunity to continue to examine and share these concerns by turning the world’s eye towards some of the fascinating topics being presented this year through the SDiFF’s Environmental Film Track
Ashley Stone, President and Founder of the Bonobo Project and member of the SDiFF Environmental Advisory Board shared “I devote much of my time to environmental and wildlife protection In my ongoing work at the Bonobo Project. There are so many people that passionately work to protect our environment, ecosystems and wildlife and educate others along the way. The SDiFF’s Environmental Film Track offers a unique opportunity to share that vital work with the community.”
Films being screened in the Environmental Track of the 2017 San Diego International Film Festival
Poisoning Paradise
Wasted! The Story of Food Waste Riverblue: Can Fashion Save the Planet
The Last Animals
Spirit of Discovery
Netflix’s Black and White Spoon is a Korean culinary competition series that seamlessly blends artistry, culture, and high-stakes drama into an unforgettable viewing experience. From its sleek production values to its deeply emotional storytelling, this show offers more than just tantalizing dishes—it serves a heartfelt exploration of culinary passion and perseverance.
The series pits contestants against each other in a dual-themed format where they must create dishes inspired by opposing concepts—light versus dark, sweet versus savory, or tradition versus innovation. This premise challenges the chefs’ creativity while providing viewers with visually stunning plates and fascinating backstories about Korean cuisine and its global influences.
The judges are a mix of culinary experts, celebrity chefs, and cultural critics, each bringing a unique perspective. Their feedback is sharp, insightful, and, at times, surprisingly emotional, further heightening the tension.
What sets Black and White Spoon apart is its emphasis on storytelling through food. Each episode dives deep into Korean culinary heritage, intertwining it with personal anecdotes from the contestants. Dishes are not merely judged on technical precision but also on the emotional resonance they evoke. For instance, a simple kimchi stew becomes a tribute to family ties, while a modern take on bibimbap showcases the fusion of tradition and innovation.
The cinematography deserves special mention. Every shot of sizzling grills, delicately plated meals, and reactions from the judges feels like an art piece. The pacing, however, can sometimes feel uneven. While the personal stories add emotional weight, they occasionally overshadow the cooking itself, leaving food enthusiasts craving more behind-the-scenes action in the kitchen.
Black and White Spoon is an inspiring and visually rich series that celebrates the art of cooking and the complexities of Korean cuisine. Its emotional depth and cultural insight make it a standout in the crowded genre of food competition shows, though slightly better pacing could elevate it further.
This is a must-watch for foodies, fans of Korean culture, and anyone who loves the blend of artistry and competition in culinary storytelling.
Final Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5)
Thanksgiving may not have the sheer volume of movies as Christmas, but it’s no less special when it comes to heartwarming, funny, and even chaotic films that capture the holiday spirit. Here’s a ranked list of the top Thanksgiving movies you should add to your holiday viewing tradition.
Planes, Trains and Automobiles (1987)
Why Watch: The definitive Thanksgiving movie, John Hughes’ comedy about an unlikely duo (Steve Martin and John Candy) trying to make it home for Thanksgiving is equal parts hilarious and heartwarming.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (10/10)
A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving (1973)
Why Watch: This animated classic reminds us of the simple joys of friendship and togetherness, all with Snoopy’s iconic charm. Perfect for family viewing.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (9/10)
The Blind Side (2009)
Why Watch: A feel-good drama about family, generosity, and second chances, this Sandra Bullock-led film captures the spirit of Thanksgiving through its heartwarming true story.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (8/10)
Pieces of April (2003)
Why Watch: A raw and quirky indie film starring Katie Holmes as a black sheep daughter trying to host Thanksgiving for her estranged family. It’s funny, awkward, and touching in equal measure.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (8/10)
Home for the Holidays (1995)
Why Watch: Directed by Jodie Foster, this chaotic comedy-drama starring Holly Hunter captures the ups and downs of a family Thanksgiving in all its messy glory.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (7/10)
Addams Family Values (1993)
Why Watch: The hilarious Thanksgiving play sequence alone earns this gothic comedy a spot on the list. The Addams family’s twisted charm is perfect for holiday laughs.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (7/10)
Dutch (1991)
Why Watch: This underrated road-trip comedy follows Ed O’Neill as a man escorting his girlfriend’s bratty son home for Thanksgiving, delivering laughs and heartfelt moments.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (6/10)
Miracle on 34th Street (1947)
Why Watch: Though more closely associated with Christmas, this classic opens during the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and celebrates holiday magic and kindness.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (6/10)
Scent of a Woman (1992)
Why Watch: Al Pacino’s Oscar-winning performance anchors this drama about loyalty and redemption, set against a backdrop of Thanksgiving break.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/10)
Tower Heist (2011)
- Why Watch: A lighthearted heist comedy featuring Eddie Murphy and Ben Stiller, set during the Thanksgiving season. It’s not deep, but it’s a fun, entertaining watch.
- Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/10)
Honorable Mentions
The Ice Storm (1997): A dark Thanksgiving drama for those who prefer serious fare.
Hannah and Her Sisters (1986): Thanksgiving frames this Woody Allen classic about family dynamics.
With this lineup, you’ll have plenty of options to keep your Thanksgiving movie marathon as memorable as the feast itself!
directed by Prashanth Neel, brings a bold and gritty spectacle to the big screen, marking a triumphant return for Prabhas in an action-heavy role. Known for his high-energy, raw style (seen in KGF), Neel continues his signature approach here, blending intense action scenes with grandiose settings reminiscent of epic sagas like Game of Thrones. The film revolves around Deva (Prabhas), a powerful yet calm figure with a complex past, and his involvement in a politically charged power struggle with Prithviraj Sukumaran’s character Varadha. This layered storyline introduces us to the fictitious city of Khansar, where betrayals and power dynamics keep viewers on edge.
Critics generally appreciate Prabhas’s magnetic performance, noting that he captures the larger-than-life heroism he’s celebrated for since Baahubali. His portrayal, paired with intense fight choreography, keeps the audience engaged, particularly during standout sequences that elevate the film’s dramatic intensity. Prithviraj’s character as Deva’s friend adds an intriguing dynamic, though Shruti Haasan’s role feels underused. While fans of action-packed cinema and Prabhas’s iconic style will enjoy the exhilarating visuals and powerful cinematography, some critics feel the plot loses momentum in the second half, with multiple subplots that dilute its emotional depth. The story is intentionally left open-ended, setting the stage for Salaar: Part 2.
Overall, Salaar is an ambitious action film that will satisfy fans of Prabhas and high-octane spectacles. However, those seeking a tight narrative or deep emotional connections might find it lacking. I’d rate it 3.5 out of 5 stars—a solid experience for action enthusiasts, with room for a more focused storyline in its sequel.
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