Opelika-Auburn Film Arts Collective: Boxcar Opelika, AL
Rasika Ramesh and Sam Price
co-founders, Rising Gardens Community Market
andTheo and Ria Davis
co-founders, East Alabama Mushrooms
andDawud Jahi
Raw Food Specialist
Seed: The Untold Story— Film + Food + Community
Program Description
From specialty mushrooms and native plants to local food systems and sustainable farming, we explore the science of how food connects us to the natural world. Before the film, attendees can browse interactive exhibits, enjoy demonstrations, and speak directly with local experts including Dawud Jahi, Theo and Ria Davis of East Alabama Mushrooms, and Rasika Ramesh and Sam Price of Rising Gardens Community Market. The evening offers a unique opportunity to learn from, connect with, and support the people cultivating a healthier and more resilient local food community.
Presented At
Opelika-Auburn Film Arts Collective: Boxcar Opelika, AL
Film Synopsis
Which Future Will You Grow?
A film about the importance of heirloom seeds to the agriculture of the world, focusing on seed keepers and activists from around the world.
About the Speaker
Rising Gardens Community Market is a community-driven initiative that connects local growers, artisans, educators, and residents through markets, shared meals, environmental education, and hands-on learning experiences. Rising Gardens works to improve access to fresh, sustainably grown food while fostering community resilience and stewardship. Rasika, whose background includes research in water resources and community outreach, and Sam, an advocate for food access and environmental education, have helped build Rising Gardens into a vibrant hub for local food, culture, and connection.
East Alabama Mushrooms is an urban mushroom farm based in Opelika that specializes in fresh, locally grown specialty mushrooms and handcrafted seasonings. Through their farm, educational workshops, and cooking demonstrations, they help connect the community with sustainable local food systems and the fascinating world of fungi. Passionate advocates for mushroom cultivation, foraging, and food education, Theo and Ria are dedicated to making specialty mushrooms more accessible to home cooks and curious learners alike.
Dawud Jahi is a raw food specialist, artist, and co-founder of Rawsoulicious SunflowerWell Farm, a raw vegan farm in Notasulga, Alabama, which he operates with his wife, Cheryl. A passionate advocate for plant-based living, Dawud combines sustainable agriculture, culinary arts, and creative expression through farming, catering, visual art, and community education. His work centers on promoting health, wellness, and a deeper connection to nature through food and creativity.