The Mother Grain

Funded with Kickstarter money and presented “in association with” a Bolivian export organization and other agricultural entities, The Mother Grain explores the worldwide explosion in quinoa consumption since the grain (actually the seed of a plant of the beet family) was introduced in the U.S. by entrepreneurs in Boulder, CO, in the early 1980s. Filmmaker Michael T. Wilcox offers fascinating glimpses into the lives of Bolivians who raise llamas and grow quinoa (pronounced “keen-wa”) in arid fields near ancient salt deposits. But with farmers in other countries beginning to plant and harvest the crop, the Bolivians face a loss of identity with this indigenous food—as well as some prosperity. Inspired by the U.N.'s designation of 2013 as the International Year of Quinoa, the documentary celebrates the Bolivians' experience but does only a fair job of explaining quinoa's appeal—mentioning just in passing its complete protein, nutty flavor, and ease of cooking, for example. Although there is a possible conflict of interest posed by the involvement of the Bolivian exporters, the film does colorfully depict the lives of the Bolivian peasants who grow this very popular grain. Recommended, overall. Aud: C, P. (F. Gardner)