We Need to Save The Co-Op follows the story of Karma Co-Op, a community landmark in the Annex of Toronto that has been around for over 50 years. Being a co-operative means that Karma is a collective effort; its members are part owners and thus each play a role in its operation. Brought together by a common desire to increase access to ethically sourced and low-waste products, members pay into a system that gives them autonomy over their consumer needs.
However, like many community-driven small businesses, Karma has faced its share of challenges. This documentary showcases how a community can come together to protect what is important to them, and just how Karma has survived the ever changing urban landscape of Toronto.
However, like many community-driven small businesses, Karma has faced its share of challenges. This documentary showcases how a community can come together to protect what is important to them, and just how Karma has survived the ever changing urban landscape of Toronto.
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Director's statement I wanted to direct this film because of the impact that Karma Co-Op has had on my life. What started off as a summer job ended up teaching me a lot about community, food and my own consumer practices.
I think right now more than ever it is important to rethink the kinds of spaces in which we find community as living in cities like Toronto can often feel isolating with community driven spaces like Karma continuing to disappear. I wanted to place a spotlight on a place in which decades of people have found something worth cherishing and fighting for. |
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Director
Nawal El NaghiEditor
Annie DietrichGaffer
Kinjal Koli |
Producer
Lucas SwangardCinematographer
James SquiresAssistant Editor
Gabriel Javier |
Producer
Theo HunterSound designer
Karson NordbySound Recordist
Rylan Koudijs |
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What is a food co-op?A co-op is a store run and owned by the people that use it. Instead of one big owner or corporation making all of the decisions, co-op members have a share in the store and a say in decision making and how the store operates. The goal is the serve the community- offer good food, support local farmers, and ethically source products. It's a store built around shared ownership and shared benefits.
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