Millions of Americans consume synthetic dyes every day, often without realizing it. These additives have been linked to troubling health risks. The enlightening documentary “To Dye For,” premiering Jan. 10 at the Brewery Arts Center, reveals the alarming reality behind these unregulated dyes and their impact on families and communities. 

Presented by Western Nevada College Foundation and the Brewery Arts Center, To Dye For explores the quiet damage caused by synthetic dyes through personal stories and expert insights, including research and experiences by Western Nevada College Professor Dr. Rebecca Bevans.

“We commend Dr. Bevans for her dedication to educating parents about the dangers of food dyes and celebrate the release of this documentary as a powerful tool to share that message,” said WNC President Dr. J. Kyle Dalpe “We also extend our gratitude to the WNC Foundation and the Brewery Arts Center for bringing this film to Carson City.”

Filmmakers Brandon and Whitney Cawood expose the harm of synthetic dyes in “underregulated” foods and products that are consumed daily without a second thought. One of the main sources in the film is Western Nevada College Professor Dr. Rebecca Bevans, who has researched the troubling issue over the past decade.

“This project began as a deeply personal journey,” Brandon said. “My spouse and I are first-time filmmakers, and we decided to make this documentary after discovering that our child had a life-altering sensitivity to synthetic dyes. Watching how these dyes impacted our child, we felt compelled to uncover the bigger picture: Why are synthetic dyes so widely used, and what are their effects on children and families like ours? Our goal was to use our skills in video, photo and marketing to create something meaningful that could bring awareness and spark change.”

In 2013, Dr. Bevans became impassioned about the harm of synthetic food dyes after her son, Alex (also in the documentary), suffered neurobehavioral issues caused by synthetic food dyes. Since then, the harms of food dyes have escalated into a lifetime crusade. In 2016, she delivered a TEDx talk on the topic and it has been watched nearly a half-million times. She also was a source for a Forbes Magazine article on the dangers of food dyes.

“When Whitney and Brandon asked if I’d be interested in being in their documentary, I jumped at the chance,” Dr. Bevans said. “It was another way I could reach more families. Knowing that our participation in this documentary might help others makes it all worth it. I did not want another child to have to suffer like ours did. I also didn’t want another parent to have to go through what we went through. Knowing your child suffers like that, it’s soul crushing.”

Dr. Bevans was the first person the Cawoods interviewed for the project.

“In the world of synthetic dye awareness, her TEDx Talk has had a profound impact on thousands of lives. Her contribution to the film is invaluable. She introduced us to Lisa Lefferts, whose involvement was crucial to the film's success,” he said.

Brandon said that the research and stories that filmmakers uncovered were staggering.

“Synthetic food dyes are linked to behavioral issues, attention challenges, and even cancer,” he said. “We also learned how unregulated these additives are in the U.S. compared to other countries. What stood out most were the personal stories — families like ours who experienced significant life changes once they removed these dyes from their diets.”

Doors open at 5 p.m., with seating at 5:30 p.m. Dr. Bevans and her son, Alex, will provide an introduction to the documentary at 5:45 p.m., with the film to follow at 6 p.m. 

“It takes someone who’s passionate to put their time, energy and money into producing a film like this documentary. I’m so grateful that Whitney and Brandon have that passion and the skills needed to make a film,” Dr. Bevans said.

The filmmakers devoted years to the documentary, interviewing researchers, scientists, lobbyists and parents. “It’s because of their passion to educate others that this film was made,” Dr. Bevans said.

Proceeds will benefit the WNC Foundation for Dr. Bevan's psychology students and the Brewery Arts Center.  

Tickets are $20 and can be purchased at https://breweryarts.org/events/.