John Corry—a veteran filmmaker and producer whose credits include “Forks Over Knives”; he also produced “PlantPure Nation,” a documentary screening at the 8th Annual Tampa Bay Veg Fest, Nov. 4 at Cotanchobee Fort Brooke Park—recalls how he began his career shepherding TV and film projects.
He explains how he became involved with “Forks Over Knives,” and acknowledges that his work on that acclaimed movie felt different—more meaningful—than past projects. Corry describes being invited to work on “PlantPure Nation,” and when he saw an early version, recommended that the film’s story be bolstered and broadened. The resulting doc chronicles what happens after T. Colin Campbell, the revered scientist and author of the 
influential “The China Study,” delivers a powerful speech on the floor of the Kentucky State Representatives: Campbell, his son, Nelson, and a Kentucky State Representative named Tom Riner team up on a pilot program documenting the health benefits of a plant-based diet. Corry notes that “PlantPure Nation” filmmakers are considering adding a postscript to the movie—which was completed in 2015, and is available on Netflix—to update the viewer on what’s changed, including some of the key legislators 
spotlighted. Meanwhile, the film has served as a jumping off point for everything from a grassroots movement to a full-fledged commercial enterprise: PlantPure Health & Weight Loss, which Corry characterizes as the first weight-loss program providing meals that are plant-based—the company trumpets its arrival with a high-octane eight-person panel, including Dr. Campbell, Nelson Campbell, Kim Campbell, Dr. Michael Greger, and Corry, convened Nov. 15 as part of Et Cultural Festival, a nascent SXSW-like event in St. Petersburg, Florida. (www.plantpurenation.com, www.tampabayvegfest.com, https://etcultura.com)
COMEDY CORNER: Joe Zimmerman “Animal Attacks” (www.zimmermancomedy.com)
MUSIC: Rebekah Pulley’s “Talking Animals Theme,” instrumentals
NAME THAT ANIMAL TUNE: Led Zeppelin’s “Black Dog”
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