Last night philanthropists Susan and David Rockefeller, together with Swiss luxury watch manufacturer, Girard-Perregaux and auction house Christie's, presented a special premiere screening of “Food for Thought, Food for Life”, the latest documentary by Susan Rockefeller, at the Rockbund Art Museum in Shanghai. The movie focuses on the development of healthier and sustainable food sources and the future of ecological and agricultural environments, underscoring  the Rockefellers’ advocacy work under their personal motto of ‘Protect What Is Precious’.

A roundtable discussion about “Food, Environment and Culture” followed the screening, and included the Rockfellers, Dai Jianjun, creator of the Dragon Well Manor restaurant and organic food pioineer, and Ma Jun, founder of the Institute of Public & Environmental Affairs, a leading figure in environmental protection in China. The  discussion focused on increasing people’s awareness about sustainable food practices and advocacy for a healthier planet and future.  

Inspiring dialogue and collaboration around sustainable business practices is a shared responsibility. Susan & David Rockefeller, Girard-Perregaux and Christie’s together share the belief that their joint event and subsequent collaborations are important steps toward a more healthy, sustainable future for all. "We should especially respect all living things and the soil and sea that support human life”, said Suan Rockfeller. “It is my life-long purpose to protect our planet, a place which defines the real meaning of wealth. I am very pleased to be partnering with Girard-Perregaux, a company which shares my values around sustainablity and combining creativity and tradition to create a better new world."

In line with the event and to celebrate the 10^th anniversary of the brand’s iconic ladies’ collection, The Cat’s Eye, Girard-Perregaux has created a ‘Protect What Is Precious’ special edition timepiece, designed in collaboration with Susan Rockefeller. The timepiece features 73 tsavorites on the white hand-polished mother-of-pearl dial ranging from bright to pastel gdreen, representing the “green ideals and values” that Girard-Perregaux and the Rockefellers jointly share. Designed for women who appreciate the preciousness of time, the beauty of nature and need to protect our planet, this special edition watch is engraved with the motto “Protect What Is Precious” to raise environmental awareness.

About Christie’s 

Christie’s, the world's leading art business, had global auction and private sales in the first half of 2014 that totaled £2.69 / $4.47 billion, making it the highest half year total in Christie’s history. Christie’s is a name and place that speaks of extraordinary art, unparalleled service and expertise, as well as international glamour. Founded in 1766 by James Christie, Christie's has since conducted the greatest and most celebrated auctions through the centuries providing a popular showcase for the unique and the beautiful. Christie’s offers around 450 auctions annually in over 80 categories, including all areas of fine and decorative arts, jewellery, photographs, collectibles, wine, and more. Prices range from $200 to over $100 million. Christie's also has a long and successful history conducting private sales for its clients in all categories, with emphasis on Post-War & Contemporary, Impressionist & Modern, Old Masters and Jewellery. Private sales in the first half of 2014 totalled £498.9 million ($828.2 million).

Christie’s has a global presence with 53 offices in 32 countries and 12 salerooms around the world including in London, New York, Paris, Geneva, Milan, Amsterdam, Dubai, Zürich, Hong Kong, Shanghai, and Mumbai. More recently, Christie’s has led the market with expanded initiatives in growth markets such as Russia, China, India and the United Arab Emirates, with successful sales and exhibitions in Beijing, Mumbai and Dubai. 

About David Rockefeller. Jr.

David Rockefeller, Jr. is the Chair of the Rockefeller Foundation and is an active participant in the nonprofit arena, especially in the areas of philanthropy, environment, the arts, and public education. He is the Chair and Founder of Sailors for the Sea, an environmental organization created to educate and motivate the global boating community about significant challenges to ocean health. Mr. Rockefeller is a Trustee of the Asian Cultural Council and the Museum of Modern Art in New York. His former foundation affiliations include service as Trustee and Chairman of the Rockefeller Brothers Fund, President of the Rockefeller Family Fund and Trustee of the National Park Foundation, the Alaska Conservation Foundation and the Boston Foundation. He is the former Chair and currently a Director at Rockefeller & Company. Mr. Rockefeller is a  graduate of Harvard College and Harvard Law School.

About Susan Rockfeller

Susan Rockefeller is board member of Stone Barns Center for Sustainable Agriculture, and also a principal of Susan Rockefeller, Co., a company that creates documentaries and inspires fashion accessories to elevate awareness about protecting what is precious to her: family, art and nature.  Susan’s jewelry and accessories can be found at London Jewelers, Bernie Robbins, Takashimaya and on the company’s website. Her films have explored a range of contemporary issues, often using both real life heroes and those of myths to confront issues such as ocean acidification and the future of ocean health, PTSD and the use of music to heal, the confluence of race, poverty and illness, global food sustainability. Her films have aired on HBO, PBS, and the Discovery Channel. Susan sits on the boards of Oceana, We Are Family Foundation and is a member of Natural Resources Defense Council Global Leadership Council. She received her undergraduate degree from Hampshire College and her master’s degree from NYU.