SUNU 2015
Distributed by epf media, 324 S. Beverly Drive, PMB 437, Beverly Hills, CA 90212; 310-839-1500
Directed by Teresa Camou Guerrero
DVD , color, 79 min. Spanish with English subtitles
General Adult
Agriculture, Biodiversity, Sustainability
Date Entered: 01/03/2017
Reviewed by James Gordon, University at Buffalo LibrariesMaize (corn) is a staple of Mexico. This movie depicts local farmers as they grow and harvest maize using time-tested methods. Small-scale farmers keep seeds free, but run into contamination problems from GMO strains, particularly those from Monsanto. Some farmers raised GMO strains when promised greater yields of more nutritious product, but conclude that the claims are not true. Their local varieties perform as well or better than the GMO strains.
GMO seed producers seem more intent on controlling the seed supply than with growing great corn. A good discussion topic would be to find research comparing native maize yields with GMO yields. Determine whether the research is independent and trustworthy. A study guide is provided.
The reservations for this movie concern its slow pace and pedantic style.