Viewer Quotes and Testimonials

"Seeing Through the Fence was screened as part of our Sustainable Development film series,
which explores issues concerning sustainable energy and agriculture. The film not only addresses
the cruelty inherent in modern factory farms, but also how Americans can no longer sustainably afford
to eat as they do today. The film provoked lively conversations and received great feedback from attending students.
I highly recommend this film to other universities."
--Veronica Dristas, Outreach Coordinator for Global Studies at the University Center for International Studies, University of Pittsburgh

“Seeing Through the Fence was a surprise – a wonderful combination of storytelling, comedy, and activism.
I was particularly compelled with the personal, familial perspective from which filmmaker Eleni Vlachos chooses
to present her thoughts on being vegan...pointing out that years of cultural tradition cannot be ignored.
This film is not a sermon, and...will never fail to provoke thoughtful discussion.”
--Beth-Ann Kutchma, Vice President, Carolina for Kiberia; Fulbright Program Advisor, UNC-Chapel Hill; Program Officer,
the Center for Global Initiatives.

"I am grateful for this timely film.  It helped me to see that we can be compassionate and still enjoy food and a healthy life."
--Linda Thompson, Retired School Teacher, Durham, NC.

"Very creative! Seeing Through the Fence is subtle yet powerful enough to open hearts and minds. A real gem...everyone should see this film."
--Esta Lewin, Counselor/Career Services Coordinator, Lake Tahoe Community College, CA.

"I would encourage anyone/everyone to check this film out. I caught a screening...and was impressed.
Eleni did a great job of tackling a sometimes very emotional and passionate issue ... without any of the sensationalism
or over the top shock value that, unfortunately, seems to creep into the discussion/argument all to often...
Yet the effectiveness of her message/arguments was not lost. I (a decidedly non-vegan) left the screening
with the feeling that I had been informed and enlightened, not scolded, shamed and/or yelled at.
Very well done. Kudos to Eleni and friends!"
--Martin Hall, Durham, NC

"Eleni Vlachos, with camera in hand and judgement reserved, takes to the streets in the United States to talk with activists and non-activists alike
about animals, culture, food, and the many factors that shape daily consumption. We also travel with Vlachos to Greece,
as she meets with her father and other family to explore these questions in person. What emerges is a set of intimate conversations
that are at times funny and bittersweet. Those who have found themselves misunderstood by their families because of their veganism
will likely see their experiences reflected in these moving and sympathetic family portraits.
First-time documentarian Eleni Vlachos offers a film whose ethical heart rests at the seat of conversation."
--Animal Voices Radio, Toronto CA

“This brand new documentary is as enjoyable as it is enlightening. Filmmaker Eleni Vlachos brings an honest and humorous touch
to exploring the views that govern our relationships with animals. Through interviews with friends, family, activists, and random strangers 
we see how complex, poorly understood, and truly interesting our views towards animals really are.
The interweaving of Eleni's family members and their divergent views on animals brings a heart warming touch to this film.
Beyond all, this documentary brings hope, as we discover that even those who oppose animal rights do so in spite of their good hearts.
For the activist, this film will give you perspective. For the meat eater, this film will give you second thought.”
--Adam Wilson, Director, TARS, Toronto, ONT

Press/Blog Excerpts:

"Seeing Through the Fence smartly peppers humor throughout...Vlachos serves up a vital and highly likable film..."
--The Feminist Review

“Vlachos, armed with a hand-held camera and a mind full of questions, takes to streets, dog parks and pig sanctuaries, from Seattle to North Carolina
to Greece. She questions passersby, friends and family about the rights of animals and the role of meat in their daily lives. It's in these conversations
between family and friends that the film finds its real voice. Here, Vlachos is less of a streetwise interviewer and more of a patient philosopher."
--Independent Weekly

“Seeing Through the Fence...is an earnest and relatively non-confrontational world view from a vegan’s vantage point. Above all,
Vlachos said, she wants her film to open up conversation about the choices we make when we buy food and eat.”
--Relish

“Armed solely with a mini-DV camera and microphone, Vlachos interviews vegetarians and meat eaters alike across the United States,
as well as in Greece, where her father currently lives. She interviewed fellow activists, family members and strangers.
For a documentary that condemns cruel practices of industrial poultry, beef and pork farming, Vlachos' film is rather omnivore-friendly.
Although nearly half of the people she interviews enjoy eating meat, Vlachos never comes off as being pushy or confrontational during their discussions.”
--Go Triad!

For links to the articles, and more about the film, see our Screening Pack on the Press & Promo page.