Seeing Through the Fence film followed by speaker/filmmaker Eleni Vlachos

Through a series of humorous and poignant interviews conducted across the US and in Greece with 'random people,' the documentarian’s family, and activists, Seeing Through the Fence explores the role of food in modern society and our connection, or lack of connection, with both the processes and animals from which our food originates. The interviews include the philosophical exploration of food traditionally, questioning cultural assumptions and norms transferred to each subsequent generation. The 'food chain,' as well as the role ethics and the environment play in food choices, is discussed by omnivore and vegetarian alike, with views not as disparate as might be assumed. Health and diet become an integral part of the discussion, critical at a time when 'Diet and Poor Physical Activity' is the second most common cause of death in the United States (tobacco is the first as of 2000). Seeing Through the Fence also explores the role of activism, as well as the stereotypes surrounding both activists and alternate lifestyles separate from, yet connected to, mainstream markets. The documentary asks the question: what prevents ethical principles from being advanced into action? The documentary is 84 minutes in length, complete with a soundtrack from several local (Durham, NC) bands, as well as Greek, German, and other US musicians, all friends or family of the documentarian.