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MUST-WATCH: The Documentary BITTER SEEDS Tells the Shocking Story of Why 250,000 Farmers in India Have Committed Suicide
Recently, I was sent a screener of the documentary BITTER SEEDS, winner of the Green Screen Award at IDFA Amsterdam, winner of the Global Justice Award at OXFAM Novib, and official selection at the Telluride Film Festival.
Despite all of its acclaim, I put off watching the movie because I knew the horror that would be awaiting me. And my fears were completely justified.
Never before have I watched a film where I have had a tear in my eye from beginning to end. Never.
India is suffering a major crisis right now – 250,000 farmers have committed suicide over the past 16 years. But why are they doing this?
Here is what’s happening. Illiterate and poor Indian farmers are lured into the false hope of high yields from genetically-modified seeds. Easily persuaded by deceptive advertising, they borrow money from loan sharks and use their land as collateral. The yields fall short, the loans can’t be paid back, and the farmers lose everything in the process.
These men suffer financial devastation, disgrace, shame and embarrassment, and end up committing suicide.
Not surprisingly, many people blame Monsanto, the worldwide king of GMOs, for causing this problem.
I firmly believe that GMOs are one of the biggest injustices in the world today. Aside from the fact that they carry tremendous health risks, pollute our water supply, create uncontrollable superweeds, and present an existential threat to organic food, just look at what they are doing in India.
One of the great things about documentaries is that they often tell stories that can change the world. I am optimistic that BITTER SEEDS will do just that.
BITTER SEEDS is a very, very important movie that everyone needs to see.
HOW TO SEE THE MOVIE
There are a few ways that you can watch the film.
1) If you’re in NYC this upcoming week, BITTER SEEDS will be screened at the Human Rights Watch Film Festival on June 21st and 22nd. Click here for tickets and info.
The movie will be shown in London on June 28th, in Barcelona on June 29th and at the upcoming Jerusalem International Film Festival and Vancouver International Film Festival.
Additionally, 100 screenings are being organized in California for sometime this year. No word just yet on exact dates, times, or locations, but I will certainly keep you posted as soon as I have more information.
2) Unfortunately, BITTER SEEDS cannot be purchased on Amazon and is not on Netflix either.
For home viewing, the DVD can be purchased directly from the filmmaker, Teddy Bear Films. Fill out the contact form on this page and tell them that you’d like to buy it. The cost is $24.95.
They can also discuss with you rates for group screenings in your city or town.
