|
|
| 
Risky Business
Biotechnology and Agriculture
A discussion-starter on genetically engineered plants and animals.
24 minutes
Directed by Mark Dworkin and Melissa Young
Produced by Moving Images Video Project
|
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.
Grade Level: 9-12, College, Adult
US Release Date: 1996
Copyright Date: 1996
DVD ISBN: 1-59458-430-3
VHS ISBN: 1-56029-674-7
Reviews
"Fills a long-standing need...for a clear, engaging introduction to the environmental and health risks of agricultural biotechnology." Gene Exchange, Union of Concerned Scientists
"An impressive production the presentation is quite straightforward, avoiding a lot of the biochemical jargon without sacrificing scientific accuracy." Science Books and Films
"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." Video Librarian
"Where is this technology taking us, who benefits and why aren't we having a national discussion on it?" Dave Butcher, Minnesota Food Association
"No jargon, no nonsense filmmaking in the public interest." Beth Burrows, Edmonds Institute
|
| |
|
|
|
"It's a great resource. Use it."
Ken Traynor, Canadian Environmental Law Association
Links
www.movingimages.org The producers' web site
www.gene-watch.org The Council for Responsible Genetics web site
Study guide
Awards and Festivals
Silver Apple, National Educational Media Competition
Silver Certificate of Merit, Prix Leonardo
Honorable Mention, Columbus International Film & Video Festival
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
Related Titles
Field of Genes
The effects of the biotechnology revolution on farmers and consumers.
Seeds of Plenty, Seeds of Sorrow
The darker side of the Green Revolution.
Sowing for Need or Sowing for Greed?
The connection between multinational chemical companies and the foods they want us to eat.
Food
Devising a sustainable food system -- one that is healthy, accessible, and affordable.
Cultivating Change
Garden tour that proves that growing food can be an avenue to social change.
My Father's Garden
Explores sustainable agriculture and the contrast between chemical and organic farming.
Beyond Organic
A model of community supported agriculture in the midst of suburban sprawl.
Good Food
An intimate look at the farmers, ranchers, and businesses that are creating a more sustainable food system in the Pacific Northwest.
|
|
