Directed by Lee Fulkerson and screened at ArtRage

THE FILM

Two out of every three of us are overweight. Cases of diabetes are exploding, especially amongst our younger population. About half of us are taking at least one prescription drug. Major medical operations have become routine, helping to drive health care costs to astronomical levels. Heart disease, cancer and stroke are the country’s three leading causes of death, even though billions are spent each year to “battle” these very conditions. Millions suffer from a host of other degenerative diseases.

Could it be there’s a single solution to all of these problems? A solution so comprehensive, but so straightforward, that it’s mind-boggling that more of us haven’t taken it seriously?

Forks Over Knives examines the profound claim that most, if not all, of the degenerative diseases that afflict us can be controlled, or even reversed, by rejecting our present menu of animal-based and processed foods. The major storyline in the film traces the personal journeys of a pair of pioneering yet under-appreciated researchers, Dr. T. Colin Campbell and Dr. Caldwell Esselstyn.

The idea of food as medicine is put to the test. Throughout the film, cameras follow “reality patients” who have chronic conditions from heart disease to diabetes. Doctors teach these patients how to adopt a whole-food, plant-based diet as the primary approach to treat their ailments—while the challenges and triumphs of their journeys are revealed.

WHAT IF…

In collaboration with the Rosamond Gifford Foundation, ArtRage Gallery screens films depicting community efforts to improve their communities and the world. The 2015 spring series of three films runs March thru May. Films are selected by community members and are shown twice monthly on different days and locations. Each screening is followed by a facilitated discussion. All films are free to the public. No reservation is required.

The spring series has ArtRage partnering with a variety of  local community organizations. Forks over Knives partner is the Whole Earth Club at Onondaga Community College. A second screening of this film will be held on April 20th at 7pm at Onondaga Community College campus, Storer Auditorium/Ferrante Hall.