Study Guide
Grades 9-12, College, Adult
Directed by Mark Dworkin and Melissa Young
Produced by Moving Images Video Project
DVD Purchase $79, Rent $45
US Release Date: 1996
Copyright Date: 1996
DVD ISBN: 1-59458-430-3
VHS ISBN: 1-56029-674-7
Subjects
Agriculture
American Studies
Animal Rights
Biotechnology
Environment
Food And Nutrition
Genetically Modified Foods
Genetics
Globalization
Humanities
Law
Science
Technology
Society
Social Psychology
Sustainable Development
Awards and Festivals
Silver Apple, National Educational Media Competition
Silver Certificate of Merit, Prix Leonardo
Honorable Mention, Columbus International Film & Video Festival
Biotechnology and Agriculture
A discussion-starter on genetically engineered plants and animals.
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"It's a great resource. Use it." Ken Traynor, Canadian Environmental Law Association |
With the cloning of Dolly, the public noticed something called biotechnology. Thousands of plants and animals are being genetically engineered: foods for longer shelf life, crops to tolerate more poison chemicals, and pigs so that their hearts can be transplanted into people. Yet so far there has been relatively little public debate about the impact of biotechnology.
RISKY BUSINESS is designed to stimulate discussion about this important subject. What are the effects of this new technology on farmers, our food supply, public health and the environment?
Vividly filmed in laboratories and fields, RISKY BUSINESS presents scientists, industry proponents, environmental and consumer activists from the U.S., Europe, and developing countries who discuss the risks and benefits of biotechnology and its growing international impacts.
This is the first in an ongoing series of educational programs produced by Mark Dworkin and Melissa Young about the risks and benefits of the new biotechnology. The other two to date are Gene Blues and Not for Sale.
Other films by Mark Dworkin and Melissa Young are Net Loss, Another World is Possible, Islas Hermanas, Argentina: Hope in Hard Times, Argentina: Turning Around and Good Food.
Reviews
"Fills a long-standing need...for a clear, engaging introduction to the environmental and health risks of agricultural biotechnology."
"An impressive production the presentation is quite straightforward, avoiding a lot of the biochemical jargon without sacrificing scientific accuracy."
"Are we letting the genetic genie out of the bottle before considering the consequences? This professionally produced video suggests that we are, while still giving some time to opposing views."
"Where is this technology taking us, who benefits and why aren't we having a national discussion on it?"
"No jargon, no nonsense filmmaking in the public interest."