Food Evolution 2017
Distributed by Grasshopper Film, 12 East 32nd St., 4th Floor, New York, NY 10016
Produced by Scott Hamilton Kennedy, Trace Sheehan
Directed by Scott Hamilton Kennedy
DVD, color, 1 hr. 32 min.
College
Agriculture, Business, Health Sciences, Ethics, Sociology, Propaganda
Date Entered: 10/05/2018
Reviewed by Andrew Koval, MSLSFood Evolution analyzes the rhetoric surrounding organic versus GMO foods. With narration by Neil DeGrass-Tyson, this piece delves into the scientific credibility of claims purported by conflicting special interest groups. Vetting through this propaganda is a considerable endeavor. And as a result, the viewer gains an understanding of the complexity of politics associated with the food industry.
Herein, director Scott Hamilton Kennedy presents a measured pro-scientific tone with respect to the development and application of GMO’s. Confrontations, debates and expert testimony serve to ameliorate the audience’s agricultural perspective. The history of human and environmental blunders associated with chemical companies who are now in the GMO business is acknowledged. And this conceptually offers a merging of science and corporate responsibility in human and environmental health. Such a moderate stance may detract audiences given the controversial topic.
Food Evolution is recommended for audiences that can understand nuanced concepts. There are numerous conflicting viewpoints presented which may confuse some viewers. This work is most suitable for academic and environmental libraries.