FWD 2 ABC Hosts Screening of Documentary Film The Meaning of Tea

HerbalEGram: Volume 8, Number 4, April 2011

ABC Hosts Screening of Documentary Film The Meaning of Tea
On March 24, 2011, the American Botanical Council opened the doors of its historic headquarters to the community for an event featuring director Scott C. Hoyt’s gorgeous documentary film, The Meaning of Tea.
 
The event began at 6pm in ABC’s cozy annex building, and some exotic teas brought to Austin by Hoyt were served. More than 40 people attended this, the first-ever screening of The Meaning of Tea in Austin, and both ABC Founder and Executive Director Mark Blumenthal and Meaning of Tea director Hoyt were on-hand to discuss the mission of ABC and The Meaning of Tea.
 
“The Meaning of Tea® has many fine meanings,” said Hoyt, “And a tea-inspired journey may mean, simply, to stop.”
 
“How can we recognize that boundless spirit of tea, and its connection to the well-lived life?” asked Hoyt. “One way to experience this sense of pause is to join with others in support of the American Botanical Council, Austin's own source for reliable information about herbal medicine.”
 
The Meaning of Tea is a 74-minute documentary film that investigates the different beliefs, practices, and cultural traditions surrounding tea (Camellia sinensis) in 8 countries: India, Japan, Taiwan, England, France, Morocco, Ireland, and the United States. Produced by Tea Dragon Films, the film uses a mix of interviews, music, and stunning visual elements to explore tea on many levels. From tea rituals in various cultures where tea is cherished, to those who mold the very instruments used to carry tea, the film asks a variety of characters around the world about their relationship to tea as a beverage, a means of relaxation, and—in many cases—a way of life.
 
The Meaning of Tea® is a valued supporter of ABC and its members through the “Adopt-An-Herb” program. It has appropriately adopted tea. Each adopting organization helps ensure that the most current information on its herb is available in HerbMedPro, an online tool which enables consumers, researchers, educators, media, health practitioners, government agencies, and members of industry (including retailers and others) to have easy access to abstracts of the latest scientific and clinical publications on the adopted herb.