Kinship explores the relationship of humans with animals, and the people who are trying to improve that relationship. Portland author and now filmmaker, Lucas Spiegel, has been traveling the world, visiting and filming farm sanctuaries, alt-protein companies, activists organizations, innovative chefs, and farmers who have transitioned out of animal agriculture. Kinship will feature these changemakers and their efforts to make a better world. At this point Lucas is more than halfway done filming the documentary and plans to release it in 2026.

Lucas will be the featured speaker following the Northwest VEG potluck on Sunday, September 21, at the Stone Tower SDA Church, 3010 NE Holladay Street, and will share pre-release footage from the documentary and tell us about the project. The potluck starts at 5, or you can just come to hear Lucas speak at 6:15.

Kinship builds on the experience of Lucas when nearly 10 years ago, at age 39, he quit his job, left his home and everything he knew behind him, and headed off with just his backpack and a rough plan to travel the world. He spent the next 22 months traveling as a vegan through Australia, Japan, Southeast Asia, and Europe exploring different cultures, volunteering at animal sanctuaries, and learning about lives of meaning and purpose. He has written about this experience with his book The Weight of Empathy – an extremely thoughtful 166 pages filled with gorgeous photography and meaningful insights. Quoting Seth Tibbott, the founder of Tofurky:

“Anyone who loves to travel and also loves animals will find The Weight of Empathy both deeply inspiring and mind expanding. Lucas writes with a sensitive and curious eye about how animals are treated in cultures around the globe. The photos are captivating, and will both break and mend your heart, but always give you much to consider.”  

The printed book is available for $20 on his website, or can be downloaded for free as an e-book.

Having read much of The Weight of Empathy while preparing this article, I can tell you that the book is everything Seth Tibbott says it is. This really makes me look forward to hearing Lucas talk about Kinship at this coming potluck, and to completion and screening of the full documentary next year.