If I were rich, I’d pay to show the movie Vegucated (a documentary that follows three New Yorker’s who agree to go vegan for six weeks to learn what it’s all about) in theaters so people could see it for free on the big screen. I’d show it in Hollywood with vegan stars, like Ellen and Glee’s Lea Michele, there to cause a commotion. After this hyped showing, it would catch on and other vegans would organize similar viewings all over the world.
I’d call it Popcorn Activism and it would become “a thing.” As it caught on in movie theatres, it would also catch on in people’s homes. Vegans and vegetarians everywhere would get involved by inviting friends and neighbors over for veggie movie nights.
Thousands of people would be moved by compassion and go veggie. Factory farms would close left and right and millions of animals would be saved. Okay, I’m going overboard with my fantasy, or at least that’s what I told myself when I first had this idea. Then I thought why can’t this really happen?
I think Popcorn Activism is an awesome way to promote veganism. It’s a soft approach, the kind that’s not going to turn people off. Still, it’s not so soft that it won’t have an impact. So, I’m putting it out there. If you like the idea, then help me make it a reality.
Here’s What You Can Do…
- Watch Vegucated! If you haven’t already seen it, watch the movie. Click here to watch it for free! You can also click here to see if there is a screening in your area.
- Invite others to watch Vegucated. Show the movie to friends and family at your house, or host a Community Screening. A Community Screening is easier than you think – click here for more info.
- Get the word out! Tell people about Vegucated and Popcorn Activism and share it on your social networks.
Meatonomics Giveaway
To promote Popcorn Activism, I’m giving away a signed copy of Meatonomics. I loved this book! It’s a must read for anyone who cares about their health, the environment, animals and/or people. It’s got glowing reviews and I know you’ll love it. To see the reviews, including mine, click here.
How to Enter the Giveaway (the giveaway is now closed)
You can enter the giveaway by leaving me a comment about Popcorn Activism. You can also earn 5 extra entries for sharing this post on a social network (be sure to let me know you shared it in your comment – thanks!).
This giveaway is open to anyone! I will use random.org to choose a winner on Thursday, October 10th. I will announce the winner on this blog post as well as on an additional blog post on October 10th. Good luck!
The Winner!
The winner of this giveaway is Wolf is My Soul! Congratulations! Please email me at celestedimilla@yahoo.com with your mailing address so I can send you your prize!
Photo courtesy of 97.3 Radio Now.
Honk If You're Vegan 
Vive le “vegelution” comrade! You have got my vote!
Yea! Thanks so much! You’re in the giveaway my friend! Celeste 🙂
sounds like a great book. thanks for the giveaway. 🙂
Not a problem! 🙂
It’s a lovely idea, Celeste. As a matter of fact, the yoga studio where I practice often holds movie screening nights, and that’s where I’ve seen many of these important veg documentaries. Keep it up! I hope I win the book, haven’t read it yet! 🙂
Hey Sophia! That’s wonderful that the yoga studio you go to holds screenings of veg documentaries. I don’t know of any place near where I live that shows veg movies, but I’m on a mission to change that. You’re in the giveaway girlfriend! Don’t you want to get 5 more entries by promoting this idea???? Don’t ya, don’t ya? Haha – I’m just messing with you! Hope you’re having a wonderful week and thanks for all your support with my blog – I appreciate it! Celeste 🙂
Hahaha, will do what I can, I love the concept! 🙂
Have a great day.
Sophia 🙂
This is a great idea! I have shared your post on Twitter so that more people can learn about it. I hope you get lots of entries 🙂
Hey Jenny! Thanks so much for your support girlfriend – I really appreciate it! I’m so glad you shared it on Twitter, that’s wonderful! You’ve got 6 entries in the giveaway – good luck! Celeste 🙂
No problem, Twitter’s great for spreading the word! Thanks for the good luck 😀 Jenny
What a fab idea! Love the name too. Now you’ve got me thinking I should make popcorn…
I haven’t actually seen Vegucated…there haven’t been many screenings over here and I haven’t been able to make any of those there have been. I’ve watched Earthlings with omnivores though and they’ve been horrified.
Hey Emma! I vote that you make popcorn girlfriend – why not!!! Anyway, I hope you check out Vegucated. It’s really “light” compared to other veggie movies. It does have a few graphic scenes, but there’s a lot of humor and light stuff as well. That’s why I think it’s a good movie to promote. I think the hard core veggie movies turn a lot of people off. Anyway, thanks for your support – I appreciate it! You’re in the giveaway, and I hope you’ll share my idea with others. Celeste 🙂
Love “Vegucated”! And tweeted also.
However, I personally wouldn’t want to see Lea Michelle. Don’t like her on Glee (could she stop crying when she sings and closing her eyes like she’s taking a poop?!) and she has said she “fluctuates” between diets, admitted to going vegan in the beginning only to lose weight, etc. It sets such a bad example to young teenagers who look up to her in my opinion.
Thanks so much for your support Janice – I appreciate it!! I had to laugh at what you said about Lea Michele – she does look like she’s crying when she sings! I didn’t realize that she “fluctuates” between diets, so you’re probably right that I can find a better celebrity. Of course, at this point, I’d be happy with ANY celeb taking up the cause. It would get the word out to a lot more people. You’re in the drawing with 6 entries – good luck!! Celeste 🙂
I put Vegucated on my blog and I am trying to educate my entourage as I can.
The book looks really interesting! Do I have chances to win even though I live in Canada?
Hey Julie! That’s wonderful that you put Vegucated on your blog – I love that! And yes, you certainly do have chances to win. This contest is open to anyone! You’re entered girlfriend! Good luck and thanks for your support. Celeste 🙂
Yeah! Thanks! 🙂
vive la vegalution indeed.
I haven’t watched Veducated yet (but a bunch of other must-see movies such as Food Inc or FOK…); would you say it’s suitable for those interested in veganism, or would it scare them away? I realise most people embrace veganism if they learn that plants are REALLY F*CKING SUPER GOOD for them (and delicious, AND good for the animals and the planet) while only the most empathic people say “oh, poor animals, I can never eat meat/dairy again”. sadly.
Thank you for your lovely comment!! I’m going to give you a long answer to your question. I first stopped eating meat and dairy for health reasons. I was prompted to do this because of a class I took at Whole Foods Market. The movie Forks Over Knives and Esselstyn’s book, The Engine 2 Diet, also helped me to make this decision. And it has been good for my health and weight. It’s also is a lot yummier than I thought it would be.
I wasn’t doing it for animals at all until I watched the movie, Vegucated. This movie is what made me really understand the suffering animals endure on factory farms. You say that only the most empathic people say, “oh, poor animals,” but I think this is because we’re so unaware and removed from the meat and dairy industry. I honestly think that a lot of people would be prompted to go vegan if they were more aware of what goes on in the meat and dairy industries. Vegucated simply makes people aware, and this awareness is powerful!
So, yes, I think the movie Vegucated is suitable for people interested in veganism. I really hope you watch it. I’m going to give you one entry in the drawing for writing a comment, but if you watch Vegucated before October 10th please let me know and I’ll give you 5 more entries. And please let me know what you think of the movie if you watch it.
You rock chica! Celeste 🙂
wow, thanks!
I understand your point, but I have seen/heard/read so many people say “I don’t care/ nothing will change/I like meat/ I hate vegan whiners” – that sort of thing.
I don’t think I can enter your giveaway though? – I’m based in Berlin 😉
but I will watch it, and you’ll be the first one to hear my thoughts!
P.S. do you know “what came before” with steve o?
I don’t care if you’re in Berlin girlfriend – you’re entered in the giveaway! I’ve got the signed book in my possession, and I can send it anywhere!! I know a lot of giveaways limit where they send stuff to, but not me.
And like you say, there are some hard core meat-eaters who are never going to change. Still, I believe that a lot of people, if presented with the information in a thoughtful manner, will change. I, for example, was one of those people who thought I’d never be able to give up dairy. I didn’t care so much for meat, but I ate lots of dairy everyday. I loved mocha lattes, cheese, butter and ice cream and I didn’t think I’d ever give it up. But I did! And my husband was a real meat-eater before going vegan, but he changed. I’m not going to give up hope that people won’t change because I’ve seen so many people do it.
I don’t know “what came before” with steve o, but I’ll check it out. Thanks for the tip!
Celeste 🙂
wow, celeste, you’re such a sweetheart!
yes, I believe in change, too. and our family has gone from meat eaters to vegetarians and now veganising more and more of our food.
but I always try to show to ppl a) the nutrition lies (meat makes you strong; you need dairy for calcium), b) the downside of animal farming (cruelty; pesticides; hormones; enviromental issues), c) the benefits of plant-based food and d) the best recipes.
I know a few people who have gone veggie or vegan because they didn’t want to support cruelty. but there are so many who don’t want to hear or see a thing…
in numbers that I love to quote: the amount of vegetarians has doubled in germany last year. yay? well, altogether, 3.7% of germans are vegetarians. <1% are vegans. that's a lot of work.
and I've not even yet arrived at a 100% vegan spot myself – I sometimes buy cert. organic eggs or msc-certified fish (due to several food intolerances, it's hard to maintain a 100% vegan diet for me, but I'm trying) and rather than turning people off, I support those who buy local/pasture raised meat/dairy/eggs. I think they are more likely to change and go vegetarian and then vegan than meateaters perform a surprising u-turn. it happens, but it's rare. mostly it happens due to health issues.
and it's scary what junk is called food nowadays!
I believe that vegetarianism and veganism are up in the US too, but I don’t know the exact numbers. And like you, I support those who take an interest in where their meat and milk come from and who support ethical farming practices. I think your attitude and what you’re doing is great! I’m so glad we’ve connected! Celeste 🙂
celeste, veganism was listed as one of the major trends in the US in 2013. which is GREAT! let’s try and support everyone who’s interested 🙂
and yes, me, too! (= absolutely glad we’ve connected)
I would be at your screening! I can’t get you Ellen, but did you know Vegucated has screening “kits”? http://www.getvegucated.com/take-action/host-a-screening/ I’d like to host one in Seattle! I enjoyed that movie.
Hey Jean! I just checked out the link you shared and realized that the “thing” I want to start is already a “thing”. Oh well, I guess I’ll just promote and support what Vegucated is already doing to get the word out there.
I updated my post with the link you shared so people can find out about hosting a screening. And, I’m gonna host a screening. I don’t know when, how, or if I’ll be able to get Ellen to come, but I’m gonna do it. I really hope you’ll be able to make it to my screening!!
Thanks for all of your support Jean, and you’re entered in the contest! Celeste 🙂
Yay! Thanks for entering me in the contest. The fact that your “thing” is really a “thing” proves you have great ideas! Make it happen 🙂 I hope you host a screening. I’ll look into getting a Seattle screening going.
That’s wonderful that you’re going to try to host a screening in Seattle!! Yea!!! Now that’s what I’m talkin’ about! Celeste 🙂
Reblogged this on Our Compass and commented:
Check out this awesome idea from animal rights activist Celeste!
You rock girlfriend! Celeste 🙂
Wonderful idea, my dear! I have shared. And I love the graphic, what an enormously cute animal (some kind of deer or gazelle – ?) chowing the ‘corn, too cute!
Thank you Stacey! My husband and I both laughed at the photo, it was just so adorable! I don’t know what kind of animal it is, but he sure is a good animal rights advocate. Who could harm a creature like that? You’re in the giveaway with 6 entries – good luck! Celeste 🙂
Reblogged this on Sherlockian's Blog.
Thank you, thank you, thank you!! You rock my friend! Celeste 🙂
You have been entered into the drawing with 5 entries!! Congrats and good luck! Celeste 🙂
Wonderful initiative! YES!!! I have wanted to make this happen in my locality for a couple of years now. Starting with softer messages like “Forks over Knives” followed by Q and A and discussion time over drinks. Anybody inspired to help me who lives on the south coast – say between Chichester and Seaford (which I can cycle to from home to keep costs down) please seek out venues, or open your home or community centre and I will be delighted to come and host it. LETS MAKE IT HAPPEN, FRIENDS OF THE INNOCENT, the time is ripe, the nights re drawing in, and we could put on a film / documentary or even short snippets every week for a year ithout repeating ourselves! I started a page here called Vegan Videos where I’d appreciate you visiting and adding links to any good info you have found, so that together we have an instantly available resource. Also if anyone has copies of any of the major activist films please consider sharing them, as I have currently no funds to buy any. Thank you so very much 🙂 Blessings ❤
Oh yea – another Popcorn Activist!! You rock! You are in the drawing!! I’m also very curious about your Vegan Videos page. I’d love to check it out, but I can’t seem to find it. If you send me a link I’d greatly appreciate it! I wish I lived near you, it would be wonderful to work together with someone on this. Oh well, at least we can work together online. Thank you for all your effort to help animals!! Celeste 🙂
Wonderful post as always, I have shared to Twitter,tumblr,my blog ect. 🙂 #Anipal
Thank you, thank you, thank you!!! You have 6 entries in the drawing my friend – good luck!! And as to your other comment, I think it would be wonderful for the WordPress Animla rights Activists to join together and plan an event! I’m all ears, if you’ve got some kind of event in mind. I’m hoping that I can at least get some activists to do screenings of Vegucated and we can all promote their screenings. I’m planning on doing a screening next year. Still, I’m open to other ideas as well. Thank you for all your support – I appreciate it! Celeste 🙂
i’ll have a little think……Could take some time 🙂
No worries – just let me know when you come up with something! Celeste 🙂
It’s me again 🙂 I’ve been thinking (most dangerous) What if we WordPress Animal rights Activists all joined together and planned an event of some kind. Then we could each implament it (I now sound like George Bush) in our areas? think of the impact! could be exciting.
raise your voice,
make a humane
menu choice!
I’m so honored – I’ve been blessed with a Karen poem!! I love, love the poems you write on Our Compass. For anyone who isn’t familiar with Karen’s poems, check one of them out here: http://our-compass.org/2013/09/21/cats-drowned-eaten-at-festival/. Thank you for your support Karen – I appreciate it! You are in the drawing girlfriend!! Celeste 🙂
“Popcorn activism”. I find that an interesting term. But first questions first even at the risk of being considered an ignoramus.How and where does one watch vegucated? How can I participate without seeing it first?
Shakti
How do I watch the movie is a great question! I should have put info about this on my post (maybe I’ll add it in!). Here are some ways to watch the movie.
You can watch it online for free – here’s the link: http://www.watchdocumentary.tv/vegucated-2010/
It’s also available on Netflix.
You can also watch it on Hulu.com for free – here’s the link: http://www.getvegucated.com/news/watch-for-free-on-hulu/
And you can also see if there is a screening in your area – here’s a link for that: http://www.getvegucated.com/events/?scope=future
And, of course, you can buy the DVD: http://www.getvegucated.com/store/
I hope you check it out! If you do, I’d love to hear what you think. And you are entered in the contest – good luck!
Celeste 🙂
Thanks! I’m currently living in Chile, so I can’t watch things on hulu, but the first link works for me! Maybe it would be good to add this info into the body of the post, for other internationals and expats like me. Thanks again! I look forward to checking this out more.
I don’t know if this comment will end up in the right place, but this is in response to you Gabrielle. Thanks for letting me know which link works for you – I’ll update the post with that link! Celeste 🙂
Great idea Celeste. I’m looking forward to the screening … I hope lots of omnivores show up!
I’m looking forward to it too!! We’ll have to tell the vegans that they can’t come unless they bring an omnivore with them – haha! Celeste 🙂
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Celeste, I think this is a great idea. I will share on facebook for you.
Thanks so much for sharing this on facebook Ivonne!! I really, really appreciate that!! And that gives you 6 entries in the giveaway. Hope all is good with you chica! Celeste 🙂
Thank you Celeste for letting me know of this movie. I became a vegetarian a few years back, not out of my love for animals. I never recommend vegetarianism to my friends as the decision was totally personal for me and I believe that’s how it should be for everyone else. I approached this movie with the same attitude, only until the factory farming scenes started to play. I could hardly keep my eyes open, but the thought of whether I choose to watch it or not, this is happening to the innocent animals is heart wrenching. I kept thinking of my childhood days , we had cows in our house, they were treated like members of the family, or I would even say , worshipped. They were well taken care of, and when they delivered calves it was a celebration. It was just 35 years back and we have come so far…even my family in India now buys packaged milk, the product of factory farming. I don’t know if I would become a vegan ever, but I have started to think. I can’t shake the feeling of guilt I have now. I have shared the movie link in my personal Facebook page and I will share with everyone I meet . I wish popcorn activism a great success. Thank you again for sharing the movie. Knowing is powerful !
Thank you for watching the movie!! It really means a lot to me that you took action and actually watched Vegucated.
Your story about how cows were treated in your childhood and the way things are now is very sad to me. It’s similar to how I went on a field trip to a dairy farm when I was in grade school and it was a nice family farm where the cows were well taken care of. I doubt that children go on field trips to dairy farms today, however.
Factory farms get away with what they’re doing because they “hide” their abuses from society. If people really saw what’s going on, I know they’d respond. That’s why I want to promote Vegucated – I want the world to see.
Thank you so much for sharing Vegucated with others too. I appreciate your support with this! You rock, and you’ve earned 6 entries in my giveaway – good luck! Celeste 🙂
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Great idea, Celeste! Have popcorn, will travel! For double and triple features let’s add in Forks Over Knives and Earthlings…
Hey Annie!! Yes, Forks Over Knives as a second feature for sure!! I have to be honest, however; I’ve never seen Earthlings. Guess I’ll have to put that on my “to watch” list! Thanks for your comment and all of your support of my little blog chica!! And you have just got yourself into the drawing for Meatonomics – good luck!! Celeste 🙂
Kudos Celeste! Great tips which I had to share. I thank you personally for the link to watch “Vegucated” free, since I haven’t seen it yet. Shared your post on all my social medias and re-blogged as well. Keep up the good work!
Thank you, thank you, thank you!! I’m trying hard to get the word out there, and I really appreciate that you’re sharing this. You rock!! You’ve also earned six entries in the Meatonomics giveaway – good luck! Celeste 🙂 PS – I’d love to hear what you think of Vegucated when you watch it!
I just watched “Vegucated” on Vimeo and I wanted to share my response with you since you asked. It was an interesting journey Tesla, Brian and Ellen made together. Although I was aware of most of the facts presented in the documentary there were a lot of things I didn’t know, so I am also enlightened. I mostly related to Ellen since she seems to be closer to my age group, and I’m pleased she decided to stay vegan. I’m not 100% vegan yet but I’m determined to change my lifestyle. I recommend the documentary to all who still have not seen it!! Carina
It really means a lot to me that you took action and watched the movie – thank you so much! And thanks also for sharing your reaction to it. I’m also delighted that you are working on changing your lifestyle. It was a process for me, and I think for most people. There are a lot of changes to be made, but you’re on that compassionate path and that’s wonderful!! Have a lovely day! Celeste 🙂
Reblogged this on Wolf Is My Soul.
Yea!!! Thanks!
Sounds like a great giveaway!
Thanks so much for reading and for your comment!! You’re entered in the giveaway – good luck! Celeste 🙂
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Popcorn activism is a sweet idea. I’ve been trying to find literature in French about veganism and animal-rights, as I live in a rural French region of Quebec – but finding movies to share may be an even better idea. Especially at the local college. Thanks for the idea!
Hey there J! Thank you so much for stopping by! Please keep me posted about your efforts with showing vegan movies at your local college – I’d love to hear how that goes. By the way, I just checked out your artwork – it’s beautiful!! If anyone is interested in checking it out, here’s the link: http://jmuirart.wordpress.com/. You’re entered in the Meatonomics contest – good luck! Celeste 🙂
Thanks a lot for entering me in the contest! And I’ll stay in touch! 🙂
🙂
Reblogged this on veganmayniac.
Thank you so much for sharing this!! You’ve got 6 entries in the giveaway – good luck!! Celeste 🙂
I love the name, ‘Popcorn Activism’! thanks for sharing and getting the word out about vegans, that sure would end a lot of animal abuse.
Hey there Paula! Thanks for your support with this, I really believe in Popcorn Activism. And you’ve been entered in the Meatonomics giveaway – good luck!! Celeste 🙂
thanks!
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The giveaway winner is…Wolf is My Soul!! Congratulations! Please email me at celestedimilla@yahoo.com to give me your mailing address so I can send you your prize. Celeste 🙂
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I was bored last Sunday night and was browsing through netflix, saw Vegucated and decided to watch it (not that I needed to be vegucated!). I usually avoid watching videos or reading materials about slaughter houses and farming practices because it upsets me so, so much and I don’t think there is any need to torture myself as I am already aware of those issues, but for some reason I forced myself to watch it all, cried my eyes out at those parts!! But thought that it was a really well made, non preachy documentary, had already decided before I read this post that I would suggest that people watch it to get ‘vegucated’, even if they don’t feel ready yet to change their lifestyle. So must get doing some popcorn activism of my own!
I agree with you that Vegucated is well made and non preachy. I watched it when I was following a plant-based diet for my health but wasn’t an ethical vegan. This movie spoke so strongly to me that I immediately became an ethical vegan (as did my husband). I know not everyone will have this reaction, but many will. That’s why it’s so important to me to promote it. I see it as a gentle, but powerful form of activism. I’m excited to hear that you’re going to promote the movie – thank you, thank you, thank you!!! Celeste 🙂