Pop-up film screening in Hong Kong
The Last Pig
This is a Film Screening Grants grant story
Learn more about this grant
Overview
In December of 2018, Mayse Artisan Bakery organized a “Cuddly Christmas” vegan buffet accompanied by a screening of The Last Pig at a local pop-up café. The vegan bakery offered fresh baked goods and comfort food at this holiday-themed event. Inspired by the season’s spirit of compassion, the organizers demonstrated how food that doesn’t harm animals can be incredibly yummy. They invited local vegan businesses to share their goods as well.
A total of 45 people attended the event, and approximately half were non-vegan. The film sparked thoughtful discussion, and a meal of homemade vegan fare encouraged a sense of community.
I founded my vegan bakery almost a year ago, and I can see how many people have switched from cow's milk to the oat milk that we sell in my bakery. We have a vegan pizza pop-up every Sunday, and 90 percent of customers are not vegan and not even vegetarian. I am so glad that they can see how vegan food can be so delicious!
Elina Strelita-Strele, Grantee
Goals
- Raise questions about animal rights and the value of compassion.
- Highlight the health benefits of plant-based ingredients through vegan baking.
- Demonstrate how delicious cruelty-free eating can be.
- Build vegan community in Hong Kong.
45
people came to see the film
50%
were non-veg
Growing
vegan community in Hong Kong
When I moved to Hong Kong three-and-a-half years ago from London, there was so little vegan food to choose from. Nobody knew what it was. I am so delighted to say that Hong Kong now is so super-vegan! Almost every place now has vegan options, and even locals are trying what they can to reduce the amount of animal products they consume.
Elina Strelita-Strele
Approach
Event organizers allowed 1–2 months to secure a venue, create marketing materials, and plan the menu.
The Last Pig is an award-winning documentary that raises questions about the value of compassion and the sanctity of life. The film follows a person through his final year of farming pigs, revealing growing conflict and the challenge of reinventing his life.
Prior to watching the 52-minute film, the group gathered together and ate. After, people shared their views on the film and engaged in conversation.
Top Tip
Whenever possible, encourage positive interactions and a sense of community. At this event, Elina opted to gather attendees for a meal before watching the film, which created a friendly atmosphere that fostered thoughtful discussion following the screening.
Results
Attendance was higher than expected, including walk-ins and people who traveled from China especially to see the film. The event attracted 45 people, half of whom were non-vegan. What surprised the organizer was how attentive viewers were during the film — no one talked or milled around. The compassion was palpable.
What’s Next?
Elina remarked, “It was a wonderful and emotional event for me, and I would love to do it again sometime in the future!”