"The Best Things in Life Are Free" to Premiere at Decorah Viking 3 Theater for Free

Be the reason future generations know what mattered in Decorah. Fund Decorah News today. DECORAH — A new short film celebrating the wonder and abundance of foraged foods will premiere at the Decorah Viking 3 Theater Aug. 5 at 5:30 p.m. The community is invited to attend the free screening of "The Best Things in Life Are Free," a nine-minute foraging film shot around Decorah. Directed by Luigi Rausch and filmed by Armando Jenkins-Vazquez, the film follows a man who ventures into the woods on a spring evening with an empty basket in search of wild ramps. Through gathering, washing and cooking, the film transforms a simple foraging trip into a surreal culinary experience drawn directly from the forest floor. The premiere event will begin with an introduction, followed by the screening and a question-and-answer session. Attendees will also have an opportunity to meet the local filmmakers during a post-screening meet-and-greet in the theater lobby or outdoors if weather permits. In a statement about the project, director Luigi Rausch said the film was inspired by a simple question: "How can we be surrounded by so much free, edible and delicious food—and almost no one knows it?" Rausch hopes the film will inspire viewers to explore the possibilities of foraged foods and develop a deeper sense of abundance and wonder in the natural world. "I hope this film does the same for you," Rausch said. "The best things in life really are free. You just have to know where to look." The filmmakers expressed gratitude to the event's premiere sponsors, whose support helped make the screening possible. Sponsors include Copyland, which provided posters and invitations; Lickety Split, which covered the theater rental fee and additional printing costs; and Decorah Viking 3 Theater, which provided subsidized theater space. Admission to the premiere is free, and all community members are welcome to attend. "Our goal is to pack the theater," Rausch said. Your inbox, upgraded! Subscribe for free and enjoy handpicked stories, helpful advice, and local insights delivered weekly.