The Gateway Bug is a documentary film that explores one of the most fascinating aspects of modern food production and sustainability; insect consumption. This Amazon Addon show, which was released in 2017, is hosted by Andrew Zimmern, an acclaimed chef, who is on a mission to explore the world of edible insects and their role in solving the global food crisis.
Throughout the course of the documentary, Zimmern meets with scientists, farmers, and food entrepreneurs, who are leading the way in promoting and developing alternative sources of protein, which include insects such as crickets, mealworms, and ants. The film examines how insects are not only a sustainable and nutrient-rich food source but also a cultural and ecological practice that has been around for centuries in many parts of the world.
Terese Pagh, one of the stars of the documentary, is an insect farmer from California who has been raising and selling a variety of insects as food for the last few years. Pagh shares her experience of starting an insect farm in the United States and explains how important it is to create a reliable and scalable supply chain to meet the demand for edible insects.
The show also features Tom DeNucci, an independent filmmaker from Rhode Island, who is using his craft to highlight the importance of addressing the global food crisis. DeNucci creates an insect-based menu for a high-profile event and challenges his guests to try out the dishes. He also explores the potential of insects as a more sustainable alternative to conventional protein production and the challenges insect-based agriculture faces from regulators and consumers.
The Gateway Bug looks at some of the key challenges facing the insect consumption industry, including the cultural stigma of eating insects in some parts of the world, the need for education and outreach to promote the benefits of entomophagy (insect consumption), and the regulatory and legislative framework for insect farming and processing facilities. The film also delves into the environmental and social benefits of eating insects, such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions by limiting livestock farming, allowing for more efficient land use, and promoting food security by providing a more sustainable alternative to traditional protein sources.
The show is well-produced, with stunning visuals, and a well-crafted story that takes the audience on a journey through the world of entomophagy. It challenges viewers to reconsider their attitude towards insects as a viable and sustainable source of protein, questioning long-held cultural biases against consuming them. As one of the pioneers of edible insect cuisine, Andrew Zimmern brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the documentary, and his animated and engaging style make for an engaging and thought-provoking watch.
The Gateway Bug provides a compelling vision for the future of food production, one that acknowledges the disastrous impact of our current system on the environment and on social justice and suggests a way forward that is more equitable and sustainable. It
