As part of the Human Rights Watch Film Festival co-presented by Asian CineVision, Bitter Seeds by Micha X. Peled examines the causes of an epidemic of farmer suicides in India, 1 every 30 minutes. In 2004, an american company introduced its genetically modified seeds to the Indian market promising higher yields. The actual results were the seeds required expensive pesticides and chemical fertilizers, the sterile seeds used had to be repurchased every year. Young journalist Manjusha Amberwar followed one farmer through the disappointing season, praying for rain, discovering parasite infestation and finally selling his meager yield achieved through backbreaking labor. Bring awareness to this vicious cycle of annual loans from usurious moneylenders, desperate debt and the inability of farmers to provide dowries for their daughters—making the symbolism of their suicide by drinking expensive pesticides all but inescapable.
Screening:
June 22, 2012, 6:30 PM
Center of Walter Reade Theater
Buy Tickets