movies

Rawer

Fifteen-year-old Tom has eaten nothing but raw fruit, vegetables and nuts for ten years. According to his mother Francis, the only diet that is not harmful to our health is a raw vegetarian diet. Even though Tom no longer goes to school as a result of his strict diet, is malnourished according to doctors and socially isolated, his mother’s mission seems unstoppable.

Rawer is the sequel to Raw, Anneloek Sollart’s controversial 2008 documentary. Francis attracted intense media criticism and social services intervened. In Rawer, we see how Francis and Tom are faring five years later. We follow them to court appearances, visits to the paediatrician and hear for the first time from Tom’s father, who lives in England.

Meanwhile, Francis remains convinced of her ideas about food. She is supported by an American raw food guru whom she regards as a pioneer. Sollart has once again succeeded in telling the story without passing judgment. Although she sometimes seems to indicate that Francis goes to extremes, the documentary is ultimately about a mother’s love and the lengths to which she will go to do what she believes is best for her child.

Many of the questions that were raised in Raw are answered in Rawer. How does the world react to Tom and Francis? What effect does a raw diet have on a developing body? Can the government intervene? And what will Tom eat when he is old enough to choose for himself?

This is a film that divides opinions. And you can air yours during the Q&A with the filmmaker following the screening.