Watch 10 Billion - What's on your plate?

"10 Billion - What's on your plate?" is a thought-provoking documentary film released in 2015 and directed by Valentin Thurn. The movie explores the question of how to feed a rapidly expanding global population that is projected to reach 10 billion people by 2050. Thurn, who is also a food journalist and author, travels around the world and interviews experts from various fields to examine the current state of food production and distribution, as well as the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

The film begins with a stark realization: every day, one billion people go hungry while another two billion suffer from diet-related diseases such as obesity and diabetes. As Thurn embarks on his journey, he visits a wide range of locations, from high-tech farms in the Netherlands to small-scale farms in Kenya, and from new, innovative food startups in California to traditional marketplaces in India. Each stop on his journey reveals a different aspect of the global food system, and the film's real strength lies in its ability to combine these stories into a larger, coherent narrative.

One of the key themes of the movie is the role of technology in agriculture. Thurn visits several high-tech farms in the Netherlands, where crops are grown in highly controlled environments and robots do much of the work. While this approach has the potential to greatly increase yields and reduce waste, it also raises ethical questions about the impact of these intensive farming methods on the environment and animal welfare. Thurn also explores the potential of genetic modification and the use of biotechnology to increase crop yields, but again raises ethical concerns about the potential risks of these technologies.

Despite the promise of technology, one of the key issues Thurn uncovers is the lack of access to food for many people around the world. He visits small-scale farmers in Kenya who struggle to earn a living from their crops, and interviews food activists in the United States who are working to increase access to fresh fruits and vegetables in poor communities. Thurn also documents the rise of food waste, which he identifies as a key problem in the food system. Globally, up to one-third of all food is wasted, and Thurn looks at innovative solutions to reducing waste, such as food recovery programs and the use of "ugly" produce.

Another important theme of the film is the role of government and policy in shaping the food system. Thurn interviews politicians and activists who are working to increase awareness of the need for reform, and visits countries such as Cuba where government policies have solved some of the food system's problems. He also explores the role of multinational corporations in shaping the food system, including the control of seed patents by large agribusiness companies and the impact of food marketing on public health.

Throughout the film, Thurn's passion for the subject and his deep knowledge of the food system shine through. He asks tough questions and challenges many of the assumptions that underpin our current approach to food production and consumption. While the film presents a sobering view of the challenges facing the food system, it ultimately offers a message of hope and possibility. By highlighting innovative solutions, from urban agriculture to new distribution models, Thurn suggests that a more sustainable and equitable food system is within our grasp.

Overall, "10 Billion - What's on your plate?" is an engaging and informative documentary that will challenge viewers to think more deeply about the food they eat and the systems that produce it. Thurn's global perspective and his ability to connect different aspects of the food system into a cohesive narrative make this film a must-see for anyone interested in sustainability, agriculture, and social justice.

10 Billion - What's on your plate? is a 2015 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 42 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.3.