Food for Thought 1999
Distributed by The Video Project, 375 Alabama, Suite 490, San Francisco, CA 94110; 800-4-PLANET
Produced by Ed Schehl & Katherine Knight
Directed by Ed Schehl & Katherine Knight
VHS, color, 30 min.
Adult
Agriculture, Biology, Environmental Studies, Genetics, Science
Date Entered: 11/09/2018
Reviewed by Christy Caldwell, University of California, Santa CruzFood for Thought provides a timely, if biased, examination of the issues of genetically engineered (GE) foods. The film interviews a number of organic farmers and vendors, and a member of Pesticide Action Network. They explain why they believe GE foods are hazardous and should be labeled.
The main arguments made against GE foods revolve around pesticide resistance: the mergers of chemical and biotechnology companies to produce pesticide resistant crops, adding microbial insecticide genes to plants, and planting not just monocrops but crops of plant clones. Other ethical issues such as health dangers and government machination are discussed very briefly.
While those interviewed had insightful comments and were knowledgeable about the issues, the narration contributed an activist slant to the video. For a more academic examination of pesticide resistance see the review for Hot Potatoes.
The video quality was somewhat grainy but acceptable. The sound was choppy at times, but didn't interfere with content delivery. Because of the medium to low technical quality, and the unacademic and biased content of the video, this film is recommended with reservations. This video will be helpful for provoking classroom discussions this issue acutely deserves.