Update: Due to technical problems, the Sept. 22 screening of The Future of Food has been postponed to Sept. 29. That's this Saturday, at 4 p.m. (Doors open at 3:30 p.m.)
How much do you know about GMOs, or genetically modified organisms?
Not enough, according to Bobbie Blair, a local parent who's bringing a documentary about the food industry to The Clova Cinema in hopes of building more awareness.
Blair, a Cloverdale resident, has become increasingly alarmed about the growing presence of genetically modified foods in our grocery aisles.
But since the Canadian government doesn't require these foods to be labeled, consumers are not able to choose to buy them – or not, she says.
That's why she's organizing a screening of The Future of Food, a film by Deborah Koons Garcia.
She urges everyone to watch this 90 minute film, a 2004 documentary that explores genetically modified or genetically engineered (G.E.) foods and how they relate to biotech companies and the food industry.
"You're getting educated and empowering yourself to make informed choices as a consumer," Blair said.
Any proceeds will be donated to the Society For A G.E. Free B.C., a coalition of groups working to raise awareness and lobby on the issue.
Blair, a member, says foods containing GMOs are labeled in other countries, but not here in Canada or the U.S., although the state of California is preparing to vote on whether food containing GMs sold in the state will be labeled by law.
Richmond city council recently agreed to ban genetically modified crops, plans and shrubs, with the exception of three dairy farms already growing genetically modified corn. Powell River, Kaslo, Nelson, New Denver and Rossland have also made similar resolutions, according to the Canadian Biotechnology Action Network.
Fruit growers in B.C.'s Okanagan are also hoping to stop a local company from growing a genetically modified non-browning apple.
The movie will be shown Saturday, Sept. 22 at 4 p.m. Doors open at 3:30 p.m. Tickets are available for $6.50 in advance by calling Blair at 604-506-5576 or for $8 at the cinema box office before the show.
Popcorn, she says, isn't genetically modified – yet – so she reminds patrons to bring a container from home for movie popcorn and beverages.
"By going there you're supporting a locally-owned, family-run theatre at the same time," she added.
A description at IMDB.com says The Future of Food offers an in-depth investigation into the disturbing truth behind the unlabeled, patented, genetically engineered foods that have quietly filled grocery store shelves for the past decade. Shot on location in the U.S., Canada and Mexico.
Reviewer Tasha Robinson (The A.V. Club) described the film as densely informative, and says it steers clear of hyperbole and histrionics.
The trailer for The Future of Food