Sundance 2018: Exclusive photos, video from 'The Game Changers' premiere and party

Super athletes star in Louie Psihoyos film that makes compelling case for plant-based diet

Bodybuilder and vegan Nimai Delgado flexes at the world premiere of "The Game Changers" at the Sundance Film Festival on Friday, January 19, 2018. Photo by Matt Carey

Want to improve your cognition? Or boost your heart health? How about building big muscles like bodybuilder Nimai Delgado? Or do something to lower greenhouse gas emissions? The answer lies in moving away from meat-eating to a plant-based diet, according to the new documentary The Game Changers.

The film directed by Oscar winner Louie Psihoyos (The Cove) premiered at the Sundance Film Festival on Friday. It makes a strong argument that meat-eating has falsely been pushed as essential to human function when in fact the opposite is true. Some of the most impressive athletes in the world appear in the film to say when they went vegan it transformed their lives and their performance level.

Joseph Pace, a nutrition expert, joined forces with mixed martial arts champion James Wilks to produce the film, which draws on scientific research to demonstrate how meat-based diets lead to heart disease and reduced vitality. The film also shows how raising animals for slaughter has contributed to global warming through harmful emissions and the loss of forests.

​Below are photos and videos from the premiere at The Ray in Park City and the party at Tupelo on Main Street.

Here, strongman Patrik Baboumian, who follows a vegan diet, hoists four people from The Game Changers.  

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Herding cats: cast and creators of "The Game Changers" try to get everyone in for a group photo. Director Louie Psyhoyos is at center, with hands on face. Park City, Utah, Friday, January 19, 2018. Photo by Matt Carey

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"The Game Changers" party at Tupelo on Main Street. L-R bodybuilder Patrik Reiser, cinematographer John Behrens, producer and star James Wilks, cast member and wildlife protector Damien Mander, cast member and bodybuilder Mischa Janiec. Park City, Utah, Friday, January 19, 2018. Photo by Matt Carey

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Director Louie Psihoyos introduces "The Game Changers" at the world premiere. Next to him is Sundance senior programmer David Courier. Park City, Utah, Friday, January 19, 2018. Photo by Matt Carey

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Strongman and vegan Patrik Baboumian, who appears in "The Game Changers," attends the post-premiere party for the film. Park City, Utah, Saturday, January 19, 2018. Photo by Matt Carey

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Producer Joseph Pace introduces "The Game Changers" at the world premiere. Park City, Utah, Friday, January 19, 2018. Photo by Matt Carey

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In this video, director Louie Psihoyos talks about going vegan and foods he avoids.

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Producer Joseph Pace at the party following the world premiere of "The Game Changers." Friday, January 19, 2018. Photo by Matt Carey

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Rapper Grey, a vegan enthusiast, performs at "The Game Changers" party in Park City Utah, Friday, January 19, 2018. Photo by Matt Carey

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In this video, rapper Grey -- a committed vegan -- performs his song "Plant Based Drippin'."

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Director Louie Psihoyos with a guest at the party for "The Game Changers." Park City, Utah, Friday, January 19, 2018. Photo by Matt Carey

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Swiss fitness models and bodybuilders Mischa Janiec (left) and Patrik Reiser at "The Game Changers" party. They are both vegans. Park City, Utah, Friday, January 19, 2018. Photo by Matt Carey

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Olympic weightlifter and committed vegan Kendrick Farris at the premiere of "The Game Changers." He appears in the documentary directed by Louis Psihoyos. Park City, Utah, Friday, January 19, 2018. Photo by Matt Carey

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Posters for "The Game Changers" on display at the party at Tupelo.

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Mixed martial arts champion James Wilks, the producer and main subject of "The Game Changers," at the party for the film. Park City, Utah, Friday, January 19, 2018. Photo by Matt Carey

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NFL wide receiver Griff Whelan works out with his girlfriend at the Minerstown gym in Park City, Utah. He is featured in the documentary "The Game Changers." Monday, January 22, 2018. Photo by Matt Carey