AGAINST THE GRAIN and GENETIC TIME BOMB

Two Short Films Tonight

AGAINST THE GRAIN

Against the Grain slashes through biotechnology's propaganda, revealing the science and politics behind "transgenic" foods to show how biotech companies increasingly engineer what you eat to be compatible with their chemicals -- but not necessarily good for human health. Marc Lappe and Britt Bailey reveal how companies like Monsanto, Dupont, Rhone-Poulenc and Dow have been feathering their own nests, introducing genes more to promote pesticides and build monopolies than to feed the world. In the words of the African delegation to the United Nations: "biotechnology companies have exploited the image of the poor and hungry to push a technology that is neither safe, environmentally friendly, nor economically beneficial to us." This film will forever alter your walk down the super market isles. Fortunately, Lappe and Bailey are breaking the silence that cloaks the massive changes being made to the world's diet, giving consumers the information they need to decide for themselves.

GENETIC TIME BOMB

The world's food supply may be seriously endangered by a dramatic decline in crop diversity. As high-yield hybrids have replaced traditional food crops worldwide, thousands of older plant species have gone extinct, increasing the long-term possibility of famine. Irreplaceable genetic material is being lost that may one day be needed to ward off the effects of devastating pests, diseases, or droughts. Featuring leading scientists and activists, this film looks at the historic changes in agriculture that could lead to catastrophe; the importance of maintaining biodiversity; and it profiles the growing worldwide network of "seed savers" who are cultivating thousands of rare and threatened species of vegetables and fruits. Also highlighted is the dramatic story of the first seed savers: pioneering Soviet botanists who starved to death during a World War II battle rather than eat the seeds they had stored for future generations. This eye-opening film provides a valuable "wake-up call," as well as a practical introduction to the importance of preserving biodiversity.

The films are FREE
But donations are welcome

Before and after the films, everyone's invited to indulge in our Humanist Coffee House.