Open Sesame, The Story of Seeds 2015
Distributed by TDC Entertainment, 220 East 23rd St., Suite 405, New York, NY 10010
Produced by M. Sean Kaminsky
Directed by M. Sean Kaminsky
DVD, color, 80 min.
General Adult
Activism, Agriculture, Biodiversity, Farming, Social Justice
Date Entered: 09/03/2015
Reviewed by James Gordon, University at Buffalo LibrariesFor thousands of years plant seeds have been cultivated and prized. Recently, courts granted plant cultivators patent rights for their living creations setting the stage for battles between plant engineers and farmers. This film documents problems farmers face trying to grow food crops while coping with deep-pocket companies that make patent infringement claims against growers.
The general thrust is that something must be done about the problems created by the legal system regarding the ownership of genetic material. Biodiversity is being threatened, and our food supply is being endangered.
Appealing to emotion and feelings, the film does not go into the science of evolution nor does it investigate the underpinnings behind the opposing legal arguments. Plant hybridization is explained in simple, non-technical terms so that the viewer can understand a bit about how the results of plant cross-pollination affect ownership rights.
This film will be valuable to those who are interested in organic, natural farming methods. It is a current snapshot of the legal conflict between patent holders and farmers, cultivators and growers.