The Gleaners and I, a film by acclaimed French filmmaker Agnes Varda, documents various types of gleaners — in fields, cities, and junkyards — as they recover food and other found objects. Named one of the BBC’s 100 greatest films of the 21st Century, The Gleaners and I offers a unique window into the ancient practice of gleaning and how it manifests in all aspects of life.
The screening, hosted by the The Cable Car Cinema and Cafe, will be followed by a panel discussion and Q&A, bringing together local experts in the field of food recovery to discuss how Rhode Island is addressing issues of wasted food with farms, institutions, and restaurants. Panelists will include:
- Eva Agudelo, Founding Director of Hope’s Harvest RI, Rhode Island’s first farm-based gleaning organization
- Sue AnderBois, the Director of Food Strategy for the State of Rhode Island
- Antonia Bryson, who helped to implement a consumer-focused pilot campaign known as “Food Too Good To Waste” and currently sits on the RI Commission for Food Recovery Incentives
- Bridget Sweet, Director of Food Safety at Johnson and Wales University
Ticket sales will support the work of Hope’s Harvest RI — bringing local bounty to people in need. Hope’s Harvest RI mobilizes volunteers to collect unharvested produce and deliver it to needy populations. As an efficient and effective solution to the twin challenges of food waste and hungry people, farm-based food recovery (also known as “gleaning”) strengthens our local food system and makes our communities less dependent on commodity food shipped from thousands of miles away instead of what’s in our own backyard. Learn more about the organization and sign up to get involved at: hopesharvest.org.
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If you haven’t heard yet, we’re sad to share that The Cable Car recently announced they will be closing their doors at the end of May. This screening is a great opportunity to visit at least one more time before they close!
A Letter to the Friends, Fans and Long-Time Customers of the Cable Car Cinema:
Change. It is a word that evokes strong and conflicting emotions. Fear, Excitement, Dread. Exhilaration. By its nature it is unknown and represents loss. Change reminds us of the temporal nature of the human condition which includes all human endeavors. All is temporary.
After a 42 year run – it is time for the Cable Car Cinema to change. May 27th, 2018 will be the last day of operation at 204 South Main Street. This news will no doubt leave many people stunned and distraught as this local institution known as “the theater with the couches” has been a cultural anchor in Providence that has been recognized both locally and nationally for “its unique character, historic significance, and continued commitment to excellence in film programming and exhibition.
We did not come to this decision lightly. There were many business factors considered: the changing nature of film exhibition, the changing habits of media consumption, and the fact that we do not own our building. For the past year, we have been negotiating with RISD (our landlord) different scenarios to make it feasible for the Cable Car Cinema to continue in its current spot. Unfortunately, that has not worked out. We could not come to any agreement that makes long-term financial sense for us while also satisfying their institutional needs.
For more information please visit our Facebook page.
The good news.
Outside of the Cable Car Cinema – we have carved out a wonderful life for ourselves in Rhode Island – and we are not going anywhere. We will continue to program the Providence Art & Design Film Festival and other one-off screenings with partner venues through our non-profit entity the Providence Center for Media Culture. Rhode Island is also fortunate to have two remaining single screen art-houses (the Avon and Jane Pickens) and we urge everyone to continue patronizing them. They are unique community assets that enrich our lives and should not be taken for granted.For the short-term, we will catch our breath, take a moment, and if the right opportunity arises – the Cable Car Cinema may emerge in another locale and in another form.
During our final month, we hope you will come see GODARD MON AMOUR and RBG, the latter probably our final movie and somewhat fitting as Ruth Bader Ginsburg has been a personal hero. If you have unused gift cards, get in here, use them while possible. And, if your nostalgia is overwhelming – maybe we’ll send you home with a couch, or a poster.
With Warm Regards, Deep Respect for Community and an Abiding Faith in Change. A so long. Not a goodbye. A fade. Not a blackout.
Long Live Cinema!
Daniel Kamil & Emily Steffian
