American food production seems to be heading in two very different directions. Multinational corporations control the bulk of the food supply, and their advances into genetic engineering (coupled with lobbyist control of the Washington power structure) have gone unchecked (in fact, attempts to introduce "right to know" legislation requiring labeling on genetically modified organisms in food has never been allowed to reach the House or Senate floors for a vote). These multinationals have moved beyond America's borders and have forced farmers in other countries to use their genetically-jiggered seeds, and the question of whether these new seeds will create future agricultural or environmental havoc has never been addressed. On the other hand, the popularity of organic produce and farmers' markets is rising among many American consumers. But is this just a small-scale embrace of healthier living, or can a genuine food revolt take root? Deborah Koons Garcia's invigorating, award-winning documentary is a wakeup call about the out-of-control reckless practices by the multinationals (who don't seem to care that food has been harvested for centuries without the need of laboratory chemicals), backed by a wealth of research and in-depth interviews with scientists, consumer activists, farmers, and attorneys. A troubling view of corporate greed running amok tempered by the hopeful prospect of an organic solution, The Future of Food is highly recommended. Editor's Choice. Aud: C, P. [Note: DVD extras on this two-disc “special edition” include two additional interviews (62 min.), four “Farmers' Portraits” excerpts from other films on farming (21 min.), a 14-minute “Seed Saving” how-to from Underwood Gardens, a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) section with weblinks and the short film “The Happy Box!” about CSA (13 min.), a “Planting Seeds” video showcase of campus gardens in Santa Monica (9 min.), “Michael Pollan on The Cost of Food” featuring journalist Pollan (8 min.), a “GE-Free Recipes” section, and “Take Action Toolkit” links to farmers' markets and other helpful websites. Bottom line: an excellent extras package for an eye-opening documentary.] (P. Hall)
The Future of Food
(2004) 2 discs. 88 min. DVD: $24.95. Cinema Libre Studio (avail. from most distributors). Color cover. Volume 21, Issue 1
The Future of Food
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.
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