An Evening of Reflection on Sustainable Food Systems
On December 10, 2024, Cinema Barberini in Rome became a hub of thought and inspiration as the Permanent Representation of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to the United Nations (UN) Rome-Based Agencies (RBA’s) hosted an international premier screening of 'Food for Thought'.
The event began with opening remarks by H.E. Marcel Beukeboom, Permanent Representative of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to the United Nations (UN) Rome-Based Agencies (RBA), who set the stage by emphasizing the urgency of addressing global food system challenges, as he stated:
Transformative food systems are at the heart of building better living standards worldwide. By reducing food waste and enhancing sustainability, we can not only combat hunger but also ensure a healthier, more equitable future for all.
This evocative documentary, created by internationally acclaimed filmmaker and photojournalist Kadir van Lohuizen, brought together policymakers, sustainability advocates, and curious minds for an evening dedicated to exploring the complexities of global food systems.
About the Documentary: Food for Thought
'Food for Thought' provided an in-depth look at the complexities of food production, agriculture, and innovation across the globe. The film masterfully illuminated the pressing challenges of sustainability and biodiversity, while simultaneously showcasing opportunities for transformation. Through vivid storytelling and a global lens, van Lohuizen highlighted the interconnectedness of food systems with environmental and social dynamics, urging viewers to consider their role in shaping a sustainable future.
The power of Kadir van Lohuizen’s storytelling lies in its refusal to prescribe a singular way forward. As an observer, he invites his audience to reflect deeply—on the complexities of the food system itself, whether in awe of its intricacies or bewildered by its challenges, and on their own role in shaping and transforming it. By fostering this introspection, van Lohuizen inspires meaningful dialogue and personal accountability, leaving space for diverse perspectives and solutions to emerge.
The documentary went beyond surface-level examination, digging into critical questions about how humanity can balance the need to feed a growing population with the urgent call to preserve biodiversity and mitigate climate change. The audience was left with a deeper understanding of the systemic changes required to ensure resilient and equitable food systems for generations to come.
A Conversation with Kadir van Lohuizen
The highlight of the evening was the post-screening discussion with Kadir van Lohuizen, whose passion and expertise were evident, as he shared his perspectives on the documentary’s themes. Known for his commitment to addressing global challenges through visual storytelling, van Lohuizen brought a wealth of insights into the conversation.
Kadir gave an insight what inspired him to go ahead with this moving documentary:
“Farmers in coastal regions more frequently lose their land to recurring seawater intrusion and therefore losing their livelihoods. I’ve witnessed the devastating impacts of sea-level rise, farmers struggling to find drinking water, and entire communities grappling with the realities of climate change. But this journey also took me back to my childhood, when eating seasonal vegetables and knowing where your food came from was a given. I wanted to explore how far we’ve strayed from that connection and what it means for our future.”
He began by discussing the main thought behind 'Food for Thought', recounting his travels to diverse agricultural landscapes and food production hubs around the world. He spoke of witnessing firsthand the contrasts between industrialized farming practices and traditional, community-driven approaches, in China, Kenya, The Netherlands, Saudi Arabia, United Arad Emirates and the United States of America.
Van Lohuizen emphasized the urgency of the issues presented in the film, noting how unsustainable practices in agriculture not only threaten ecosystems but also worsen inequalities in access to food. He underscored the importance of embracing innovation while respecting traditional knowledge systems that have preserved biodiversity for centuries.
The discussion also touched on the role of individual and collective responsibility. Kadir encouraged the audience to reflect on their own consumption patterns, advocating for informed choices that align with sustainability goals. He highlighted the power of consumer demand in driving systemic change, suggesting that awareness and education are key to fostering a more equitable global food system.
He described meeting farmers struggling to adapt to climate change, innovators creating sustainable farming technologies, and communities fighting to preserve their cultural food heritage in the face of globalization.
Reflections on a Powerful Event
The event was a resounding success, leaving participants inspired and better informed about the urgent need to address the challenges facing global food systems. Food for Thought not only provided a critical examination of the current state of agriculture and sustainability but also ignited a sense of hope and responsibility for shaping a better future.
Kadir van Lohuizen’s contributions to the evening, through both his film and his engaging dialogue, underscored the transformative power of storytelling. His work serves as a reminder that change begins with awareness and is propelled by collective action.
This remarkable evening was more than just a film screening; it was a call to reflect, connect, and act. Among the attendees were several Permanent Representatives to the RBA’ s and FAO’s Divisional Directors, whose presence underscored the importance of collaborative efforts to address global food security and sustainability.
For those who attended, it was a powerful reminder that the future of food systems, and indeed the planet, rests in the choices we make today.
You can watch the trailer on YouTube.
This article was written by Jana Stankova (FAO).