“New research shows that over 70 percent of cancer is diet related,” said Natasha Lantz, founding board member of Northern Vegans said after having watched the documentary “What the Health” by Kip Anderson and Keegan Kuhn.

The directors of “Cowspiracy” have made the claim that dietary change, not pills, is the secret behind controlling the symptoms, and even reversing the effects of chronic illness in their new film “What the Health,” which Northern Vegans will screen April 20.

Northern Vegans is a Marquette based group that educates people on the benefits of eating more plant-based foods and allows the opportunity to socialize with like-minded people.

Northern Vegans invites everyone to their 7 p.m. showing of the film at the Thomas Theatre in Marquette for the purpose of learning the benefits of moving toward a plant-based lifestyle.

Finger foods will be provided, free of charge, by local vegan-friendly establishments, including the Marquette Co-op, Border Grill, Babycakes Muffin Co. and City Green Market. Tickets are free if ordered online prior to the event or $10 at the door.

Jeff Plumber, founding board member of Northern Vegans added that a wide variety of people come to them and their events.

“We get non-vegans and people curious about us. People come for health reasons,” Plumber said.

Claims made by Anderson and Kuhn in the vein of plant-based lifestyles overwhelmingly improving health are challenged, such as by Authority Nutrition CEO Kris Gunnars who wrote that the evidence for the claims made are not as solid as films like “What the Health” say.

“But many vegan advocates are incredibly dishonest about animal foods and spread unscientific fear mongering to convince people that their diet is healthy,” Gunnars said.

Lantz disagreed with statements such as these saying, “I think anytime a film goes against status quo, it is going to be criticized. There is a strong presence of lobbying perpetuating the need to eat meat.” Ultimately, putting aside the controversy, this film is an opportunity for people to learn about the potential health benefits of adapting to a more plant-based diet from the point of view of vegans.