The harmful impact of agrochemicals on Argentina’s impoverished tobacco farmers and their families is the subject of Juliette Igier and Stephanie Lebrun’s impassioned documentary. The directors first travel the countryside from north to south, visiting growers who have been using herbicides containing glyphosate since 1996, when the government authorized the employment of genetically-modified organisms on the basis of research provided by chemical giant Monsanto—which was pushing adoption of its product Roundup. They report that many families who used Roundup and Bayer’s pesticide Confidor now have children with serious birth defects (three boys who suffer from horrifying conditions are profiled). They further suggest that Philip Morris, virtually the sole purchaser of crops from the region, is complicit in the chemical companies’ operations. The narrative then turns to those who are attempting to put political pressure on the government to outlaw the use of agrochemicals and bring legal action on companies that failed to provide accurate information on potential side effects. Interviewees include doctors and journalists collecting evidence of the toxic impact on the population and environment, lawyers who bring suit on behalf of victims, and mothers who have lost children to illnesses they blame on carcinogenic chemicals. Genetically Modified Children makes no pretense of objectivity, but it does present an emotionally powerful case, especially by introducing viewers to families devastated by corporations that activists persuasively claim are more concerned with profit than safety. Although technically rudimentary, the documentary is topical, especially since lawsuits against Monsanto are also underway in U.S. courts over the effects of Roundup. A strong optional purchase. Aud: C, P. (F. Swietek)
Genetically Modified Children
(2018) 54 min. In English & Spanish w/English subtitles. DVD: $19.95. Cinema Libre Studio (avail. from most distributors). Volume 33, Issue 5
Genetically Modified Children
Star Ratings
As of March 2022, Video Librarian has changed from a four-star rating system to a five-star one. This change allows our reviewers to have a wider range of critical viewpoints, as well as to synchronize with Google’s rating structure. This change affects all reviews from March 2022 onwards. All reviews from before this period will still retain their original rating. Future film submissions will be considered our new 1-5 star criteria.
Order From Your Favorite Distributor Today: