Let Live Foundation

****We’re very sorry to have to cancel our premiere of “Skin Trade” due to a family emergency. It will be rescheduled, we promise. BUT, in the meantime, please come out to “Fowl Play” instead. Bring somebody who needs to see it.****

National surveys show that the majority of Americans are opposed to the inhumane treatment of farm animals. In fact, Americans are in opposition to the very treatment animals face every day on factory farms. This disconnect that people have between the food they buy and the industries they support is exactly what agribusiness counts on to maintain its bottom line.

However, a growing movement of people are opposed to factory farming and the commodification of animals. They are organizing, documenting the living nightmare that animals face, and speaking out against animal agriculture.

Fowl Play illuminates the plight of factory-farmed laying hens through interviews with people who are fighting diligently to save them. A story of hope emerges as footage recorded inside battery cage and other facilities is balanced with personal accounts of the individuals working to protect the often-forgotten victims of the egg industry.

The film also introduces us to animals who survive the system: Hope, a hen left to die in a garbage can but then rescued by activists; and Consuela, a hen gassed on a farm when she was no longer useful but who survives to be rescued at a landfill.

The suffering that animals face on factory farms won’t end until enough people are motivated to change it. Fowl Play connects the dots between consumers and the practices they support, and leaves viewers with a groundbreaking message of personal change and community outreach.

When: Monday, November 16, 2009 @ 7pm
Where: Hollywood Theatre, 4122 SE Sandy Blvd
Cost: Free, but we’d really appreciate a donation to help cover costs

The Let Live Series Presents: How to Discuss the Fur Industry with Matt Rossell

As the chill of winter descends across the United States, many will set their sights on the perfect winter coat: thick and fitted with a nice German Shepherd trim. Sound ridiculous? Unfortunately, it is not as far-fetched as it seems. Often purposely mislabeled by manufacturers as “faux fur,” dog and cat fur products are common in today’s marketplace despite being banned in 2000 after undercover video from Swiss Animal Protection, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) and the Humane Society International exposed dogs and cats being disemboweled, skinned alive and hung still screaming from metal wire.

Such deceptive practices are common use in the fur industry, which kills more than 3 million animals in the United States alone. Despite a steep decline in demand in the 1980s and 1990s, fur has recently made a dramatic resurgence due to fashion campaign tactics toting fur as “green” and promises by manufacturers that the fur was obtained using “ethical fur sourcing.” This talk will focus on what these terms really mean and give you the tools you need to discuss the facts about fur knowledgeably and persuasively.

The How to Discuss the Fur Industry presentation featuring Matt Rossell will be held on November 15, 2009, at 1p.m. at the Matt Dishman Community Center, 77 NE Knott Street in Portland, Oregon. ADMISSION IS FREE.

The Let Live Series is a monthly series of speakers, workshops and social events dedicated to promoting animal rights activism and education in Portland, Oregon. Sponsored by the Let Live Foundation.