Reel and Meal at the New Deal

Reel and Meal is a monthly film series at the New Deal Cafe exploring vital environmental, animal rights, and social justice issues. Admission to the film is always free, sponsored by several Greenbelt community organizations. Contributions are gladly accepted to cover each month’s donation to a non-profit organization.

Reel and Meal events are in-person (limited seating) and online via Zoom. Each month registration links will be posted here.  You can also reach out to Reel and Meal at .

Date: Third Monday of every month
Time: The free film starts at 6pm or 6:30pm.
Dinner: See event for cafe dining details.
Location: Online or at the New Deal Cafe at 113 Centerway in historic Greenbelt, MD
Public transportation: The cafe is accessible by Metro Bus P20 from the Greenbelt Metro station.
Joining from Zoom and living locally: You can find take out plant-based options at the cafe as well as:

  • Greenbelt Co-Op: ( Tofu Bahn Mi sandwich (self service deli); Veggie spring roll; Greek Table Shepherd’s Pie; Channa Masal (refrigerated case); Dodah’s cakes for desert, among many others)
  • SunRise Caribbean Restaurant (menu)
  • Cedars of Lebanon (menu)

December 18, 2017

Taking Root

Wangari Maathai plants a tree with flimmaker’s daughter in Aberdare Mountains, Kenya.

Taking Root tells the story of Wangari Maathai, Kenyan Nobel Peace prize laureate, whose simple act of planting trees grew into a nationwide movement to safeguard the environment, protect human rights and defend democracy. “Why not plant trees?” she thought. Trees provide shade, prevent soil erosion, supply firewood, building materials, and produce nutritious fruit. In 1977, Maathai founded the Green Belt Movement in Kenya and began teaching women about the connection between environmental problems and their daily problems.

The program will include the short film Plant for the Planet from the “Young Voices for the Planet” series by Lynne Cherry. Her film is about a young German boy who was inspired by the Wangari Maathai story to do as she did in his native country. Lynne will participate in the discussion to follow the screenings.

This month’s program is planned by Utopia Film Festival. For more information contact Frank Gervasi at or 301-474-7680.