Before veganism was a household term or a global industry, there was a spark of cinematic defiance captured on 16mm film. Truth of Dairy stands as a monumental pillar in the archives of animal rights—a vibrant, high-energy time capsule from 1994 that documented the tremors of a revolution before it became a tectonic shift. It is not merely a film; it is one of the world’s first documented all-vegan documentaries, a foundational piece of history that predicted a future defined by compassion for animals and human health.

Truth or Dairy is widely considered the first independent, 100% vegan film that fits our modern idea of a documentary. It was a massive leap forward for several reasons:

The First Crowdfunded Film: It is famously cited as the first-ever example of a crowdfunded film, raised through small donations (about £7,000) long before Kickstarter existed.

The Cultural Shift: While the 1976 film was very serious and "educational," Truth or Dairy was the first to use humor, high-energy editing, and pop culture icons to make veganism feel vibrant and modern.

Franny Armstrong’s Debut: It launched the career of Franny Armstrong, who went on to become a titan of activist cinema.

3. Was it 100% Vegan?
Yes. Unlike earlier health-focused films or "vegetarian" documentaries (like the 1982 The Vegetarian World narrated by William Shatner), Truth or Dairy was unapologetically vegan. It was funded by the Vegan Society, created by vegans, and featured a strictly vegan message focused on the ethics of the dairy industry—something almost no one was talking about in the mainstream in 1994.

The Verdict

If you’re looking for the first modern, independent vegan documentary that looks and feels like a professional film—and the first to use "star power" to break into the public consciousness—Truth or Dairy is absolutely the one. It’s the "OG" that paved the way for modern hits like Cowspiracy or The Game Changers.

Filmed on location in the historic streets of London, this production was a labor of love and radical conviction. It was filmed over 18 months with the generous support of The Vegan Society and the free use of equipment from Word Pictures, Ltd., bolstered by the collaborative spirit of PETA and Compassion in World Farming.

A Galaxy of Visionaries
The film is anchored by the electric, soul-stirring presence of the late Benjamin Zephaniah. As a poet, writer, and actor, Zephaniah brought a rhythmic urgency to the screen that remains hauntingly beautiful following his passing in 2023. Surrounding him is a breathtaking assembly of icons who lent their voices to the cause long before it was "trend." The screen comes alive with appearances by:

The B52s: Legendary members Kate Pierson, Keith Strickland, and Fred Schneider bring their avant-garde spirit to the narrative.

Late Greats: Heartfelt appearances by the iconic River Phoenix and the legendary broadcaster Casey Kasem.

Music & Magic: A young, burgeoning Moby, the soulful k.d. lang, rock royalty Bryan Adams, and Consolidated drummer Philip Steir.

Cultural Icons: Famed illusionist Uri Geller, actor Martin Shaw, and the powerhouse actress Spice Williams.

The Architecture of Truth
The film’s pedigree is as significant as its cast. Written by Franny Armstrong—the visionary filmmaker behind McLibel, a work frequently cited as one of the "ten documentaries that shook the world"—and produced and directed by the Armstrong sisters, Truth of Dairy carries a sophisticated activist DNA. It balances a harrowing message with an undeniable sense of "fun," capturing the DIY punk-rock energy of the 90s vegan scene.

As we look back from a world where veganism has become a global force, this film serves as the ultimate "origin story." It is a celebration of the pioneers who spoke up when the world was silent.