Live and Let Live

Overview

Veganism is no longer a fad. One of your friends is probably vegan. Vegan eateries run rife throughout Sydney, no longer restricted to Newtown's King Street. With ethical concerns, breaking news stories about farming atrocities and climate change giving people more and more reasons to change their eating habits, there's a been a considerable rise in vegetarians and vegans — often meaning more likeminded buddies to survive pot luck dinner parties with.

More and more people are 'waking up' to the realities of food production, primarily through reading Jonathan Safran Foer and watching groundbreaking, important documentaries like Food Inc. But this abrasive, slapped face strategy can turn a lot of potential vegans off.

Marking its Australian premiere at a special Sydney event this Saturday, feature documentary 'Live and Let Live' attempts to enlighten without frightening; a thorough examination of our relationship with animals, the history of veganism and the reasons people go vegan (whether ethical, environmental or health-related). Produced by Marc Pierschel, the documentary checks in with six individuals who have decided to stop eating animals or animal products for their own reasons and assesses how veganism has impacted their lives.

In addition to the premiere screening of 'Live and Let Live' guest speakers Dr Glenn Singleman (professional basejumper and doco maker) and psychologist Clare Mann will dig into the film's core topics. Sydney blues and roots festival favourite Jasmine Beth will revisit tracks from her eponymous EP in a smoky-voiced acoustic set, ahead of her first full-length album due for release later this year.

There'll be tasty vegan treats on offer, including faux bacon, vegan chocolate, new types of vegan cheeses, aromatic herbal teas and a plant milk bar. And to top things off you can wander through art installations and bid in the silent auction aiding Peanuts Funny Farm Animal Sanctuary.