'Food Evolution' Movie Redefines GM Food Debate

A new film on GM food crops hits the movie houses in New York and Los Angeles. The film, titled Food Evolution is a product of independent investigation of filmmakers Scott Hamilton Kennedy (Academy Award nominee) and Trace Sheehan. They were initially contacted by the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) to make a documentary covering fact-based public dialogue about the food system. However, as the filmmakers did their research and started filming, they became intrigued by consistently polarizing debate around GMOs. IFT was initially hesitant with the change of focus, but agreed as the filmmakers showed them the importance of covering the topic.

"GMOs had become a metaphor for almost every issue we have with food and our food system and we wanted to explore if that metaphor had any merit or scientific truth to it. And perhaps, by better understanding the GMO debate, we would be able to make more informed decisions about science and technology in general, no matter the topic," explained the filmmakers.

The film highlighted the political and field situations in Hawaii, Uganda, and other countries. Stories from the GM food key players, including scientists Drs. Alison Van Eenennaam, Dennis Gonsalves, Pamela Ronald, and Leena Tripathi, along with former anti-biotech activist and author Mark Lynas, were also included in the film.

University of Florida professor, Dr. Kevin Folta, reviewed the film, which appeared in Huffington Post: "I've seen the film several times, and each time I've lost tears. As a scientist, it is painful to relive how safe and effective solutions that can change the lives of people and help our planet—but their use is restricted because of well-financed and coordinated misinformation and fear campaigns."

Read more about the film and the screening schedule from the Food Evolution website.