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 7pm. Dinner: Dinners are available at the café after 4pm with several plant-based options. Carryout: The Co-Op Supermarket Meatless Monday meals can be picked up from the “grab and go” for Zoom at-home viewing after 11am. Location: Online or at the New Deal Cafe – 113 Centerway in historic Greenbelt, MD Public transportation: The cafe is accessible by Metro Buses G12, 13, 14 and 16 from the Greenbelt Metro station.
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.
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