State of Black Food: The Food That Fuels

Circle Cinema is proud to partner with the State of Black Food conference to invite you to a special screening of "The Food That Fuels," a compelling short documentary by Chef Ed Porter who will be in attendance.

All admission is free and open to the public, but seating is limited first come first served. Following the film, join us for a fireside chat with Chef Ed Porter, where he’ll share personal insights into the making of the film, stories from California’s agricultural heartland, and the role of food and sustainability in his creative work.

About State of Black Food: SOBF is about reclaiming our food stories, building sustainable businesses, and amplifying the legacy of Black and Brown contributions to America’s food system. Through panels, chef demos, cultural events, community dinners, film screenings, and networking experiences, attendees connect, collaborate, and strategize for collective impact. The conference comes to Tulsa from Thursday August 28-Sunday August 31, visit StateofBlackFood.com for tickets and more.

Expect deep conversations about food justice, ancestral traditions, and wealth-building—alongside unforgettable meals, vibrant energy, and some of the most innovative voices in food and culture today.

About the film: 25min - Doc - English
In the fertile expanse of California's San Joaquin Valley, a region that feeds the nation and beyond, a diverse group of farmers rise at dawn, bound by one purpose: to cultivate the crops that sustain millions. "The Food That Fuels" is a short film that takes audiences into the lives of these farmers, from multigenerational family-run vineyards to modern, sustainably-driven operations.

The film paints a vivid portrait of the challenges they face, from climate change to economic pressures, underscoring the critical role this region plays in global food production. At the center of this story is UC Merced, a beacon of research and innovation, working in partnership with the Valley’s farmers to address the future's pressing issues.

Through interviews, breathtaking imagery of vast fields, and stories of resilience, the film highlights how collaboration between academia and agriculture is vital for adapting to a changing world. As the narrative unfolds, it becomes clear that the future must be devoted to preserving and enhancing the resources that fuel not just the San Joaquin Valley, but communities worldwide.