The Meat Up

1 Writer

Additional Project Info

My name is Donna Sherifi. I've written a film that is designed to raise conversation about the future of food. The film challenges people to ask questions about climate change, specifically focusing on the meat industry. Unlike many environmental films, ‘The Meat Up' approaches this in a non-preachy way, disguising various moral questions within a modern love story. The world created is unlike anything we’ve seen before on our screens. As the global population is projected to reach ten billion by 2050, our planet faces increased demands on food supplies. This surge will strain our resources like never before and scientists are diligently working to address this issue. One solution being explored is lab-grown meat. ‘The Meat Up’ envisions that lab-grown meat succeeds, where eventually every individual will have their own 3D food printers at home. Investment and innovation are actively trying to find a solution that eliminates the need to slaughter animals or use vast amounts of land and soil for cattle, which is the number one factor for climate change. Despite recent efforts to discredit lab grown meat, the possibility of this alternative world seems closer than we think. When exploring the intersection of food, AI, and climate change, these questions intrigued me. What if alternatives were mandated by governments, leading to consequences for non-compliance? Would a future society see this as extreme government policies or a necessary control on the population for the greater good? These questions led to the birth of our script ‘The Meat Up' where our main characters are very different and represent the two very different views. Their date becomes a microcosm of the larger societal question, where love and desire collide with ethical dilemmas. Framing the story as ‘a date’ between these characters, creates a relatable scenario for the audience, giving an entertaining yet highly thought-provoking angle. The film delves into timeless themes of love, desire and human connection. Why now and why this story? AI and technology will have a huge impact on how we will live in the next decade. Our story is set in the heart of the home, the kitchen and it gives an insight directly to how it could affect our everyday lives. It also addresses interesting questions about how those in charge i.e. government, can and arguably should create an eco-friendly future. But to what extent? On a personal note, although I am pro-environment and have been a non-meat eater for many years, deeply caring about animal welfare, there are still many questions of how-to best balance environmental needs with our own freedom. This is especially true when it comes to technology and government's interference. It’s important to state that I am not advocating for 3D meat printers per se, rather I am simply creating a world in which this could become our reality. The film is constructed not to take sides but instead raise questions about what the future of our world could look like, driven by AI and huge technological advancement, all overseen by governmental policy.