Tastes Like Chicken
SUN 12/12
Jerry Garcia inspired a Ben & Jerry’s flavor, but his widow is attempting to leave a more serious mark on the world of food. Deborah Koons Garcia’s new documentary, The Future of Food, looks at the issues surrounding genetically engineered crops — the corporations that use the technology and the policies that allow them to do so. Garcia follows the hardships of North American grain farmers to reveal how genetic modification affects the environment, human health and the global economy. Along the way, she reveals connections between gene-splicing biochemical companies and government officials. The film has sparked a movement in California, but Garcia isn’t asking for a revolution — just a stringent labeling system.
The movie shows at 1 p.m. Sunday at Screenland (1656 Washington, 816-421-2900). A suggested donation of $5 benefits the Kansas City Food Circle, which champions local organic farmers. — Sarah Smarsh
Un-safety Dance
Everybody’s taking the chance.
ONGOING
“Experimental danse bizness” sounds like what happens every time we get up in da club. But at PreTense, a dance party every Monday at 10 p.m. at the Jackpot (943 Massachusetts in Lawrence), the term describes the funky, abstract turntablism of DJs Candlewax and Konsept. Call 785-832-1085. — Jason Harper
Never-Before-Seen Footage
Watch local filmmakers squirm.
SUN 12/12
When we hear the word Bentley, we think of P. Diddy’s maddening man-servant Farnsworth. But to Matthew Stevens and the rest of the Independent Film Coalition crew, the word sends Super-8 shivers — so much so that they named their scary turn-in-your-undeveloped-film festival after the vintage camera. At 7:30 p.m. Sunday at the Fahrenheit Ballroom (1717 West Ninth Street), the single-take, three-minute festival submissions are screened for the first time — even the directors haven’t watched the results. Call 816-728-8647. — Annie Fischer
Never Say Die
Wings spring eternal for these butterflies.
FRI 12/10
The whole living-forever thing has never held much appeal for us. What if eternal youth isn’t all it’s cracked up to be? Who will hang out with us? What if the future sucks? The Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art’s visiting artist John Kalymnios banks on the fact that butterflies don’t share our conundrums regarding immortality. “Untitled (Butterfly)” perches 29 butterfly specimens on motorized wires and allows viewers to see them as they once were: in flight. Ponder mechanics when Out of Nature: Works by John Kalymnios opens from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Friday at the museum (4420 Warwick Boulevard). Kalymnios speaks at 6:30 p.m. Call 816-753-5784 for more information. — Rebecca Braverman
