Have you ever wondered where the chicken on your plate came from? What children are being served in our school cafeterias, or how we can grow enough food to feed the growing population? These are some of the questions addressed by films in the 2012 Chipotle Sustainable Food Film Series, which takes place at the Denver Botanic Gardens over the course of four months. Each movie provides the audience with a view into the struggle of creating sustainable food sources and of the people who are fighting to make it happen.

The provocative documentaries awaken its audience to the realities of our current food system, imparting a heightened awareness by the time the credits roll. I attended the series' premier film (Truck Farm) in September and I can attest to the engaged community spirit of the audience. Everyone is there because they care, want to learn, and have the desire to engage with their community. Post screening, a panel of community experts assembles for a Q&A relating to the film topic.

All films start at 6:30 p.m., doors open at 6 p.m.

Thu, Oct 11: American Meat

Wed, Nov 14: Cafeteria Man

Wed, Nov 28: Queen of the Sun—What are the Bees Telling Us?

Bonus: Sponsored by Chipotle, the Denver-based Mexican grill provides snacks to the audience free of charge (when I attended “snack” meant full-size burritos, chips and salsa). Go hungry.

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—Photo via Shutterstock