The Future is Now

The Future of Food. Directed by Deborah Koons Garcia.

The Future of Food is a documentary film dealing mainly with the genetic modification of food. It details the science of how dangerous genetically modified foods can be to the plant species. It uses other countries as examples of how genetically modified foods can prevented from being grown and consumed. It also presents an interesting debate about the morality of granting patents for new plant species, which are a form of life.

The intended audience of this film is not as clear as its message. Surely, since we all eat food, there isn't a person who the content of this film doesn't in some way affect. However, not everyone will be drawn to a film about food. People who already buy organic foods will find a confirmation of that decision in this film. In general, people who are conscious about the food they eat will be the main audience of this film.

There are several techniques that the film employs to get its message across. They use interviews with both industry experts and farmers very effectively. The farmers that were profiled had all been part of lawsuits against large corporations for unintentionally using a seed to which they did not own the patent or pay for. The only way in which the corporations were given a voice in this discussion was in short press releases, which were only ever in text form. Even though I agree with the main message of the film, the film only ever presented one side of this debate. I feel like hearing a representative from the Monsanto would have strengthened the film and increased my opposition to genetically modified foods.

In the end however, the film was effective in delivering its message. It ended on a positive note by describing the recent growth of organic foods and farmers markets across the United States. Viewing the film will definitely make me a more conscious shopper the next time I find myself in a grocery store.