Hawai‘i farmers, teachers, legal and medical experts and community activists share their perspectives on GMO’s (Genetically Modified Organisms), the genetic engineering of crops and the patenting of life forms.
“Hawai’i has been called the GMO testing capitol of the world because we have had more than 2,000 field tests of experimental genetically-engineered crops in more than 6,000 locations around our small state,” says Earthjustice attorney Paul Achitoff. “And this is more than any other place in the world.”
Earthjustice has won lawsuits in federal and state courts challenging the introduction of these experimental crops in the islands without first assessing environmental and human health impacts.
Islands at Risk looks at possible health impacts from exposure to biopharmaceutical crops, both in humans and endangered species. Family farmers express their concern over the genetic contamination of regular food crops such as papaya, taro, coffee and corn.
Kānaka Maoli (Native Hawaiians) recount their attempts to prevent the patenting of taro, honored as an ancestor, and assert their right to protect the biodiversity of their lands, crucial to health and survival.
The video also addresses the impact of genetic engineering on food security and the world’s future ability to feed itself.
Produced for Earthjustice.
Featuring
Paul Achitoff, Walter Ritte, Chris Kobayashi, Dr. Lorrin Pang, Nancy Redfeather, Isaac Moriwake, Melanie Bondera, Mililani Trask, Mark Query, Kalaniua Ritte, Hanohano Naehu, Una Greenaway, Jerry Konanui, Elisha Goodman, Eloise Engman, and Jeri Di Pietro,
Length 28:30
Awards
Best of Festival – documentary • 2007 Berkeley Video & Film Festival
Winner - Farming, Pesticides and Soil category • EarthVision International Environmental Film Festival • Santa Cruz
Global Green Indigenous Film Festival • Santa Fe
Food and Farming Film Festival • California
Maui Fest
Davis Film Festival • California