[There's a film screening coming up of a documentary revealing the attacks on scientists who have raised warnings about genetically engineered food; the U.S. government has been pressuring other countries to plant genetically engineered crops.]


Scientists Under Attack

SCREENING TIMES: Thu, Feb 17@1:45pm; Tue, Feb 22@6:00pm
YEAR: 2010
COUNTRY: Germany
GENRE: Documentary Feature
TIME: 88min
DIRECTOR: Bertram Verhaag

SYNOPSIS: Árpád Pusztai and Ignacio Chapela have two things in common: both are distinguished scientists and both of their careers are in ruins. Both men issued warnings against the sale and consumption of genetically modified (GM) food and both are now suffering the fate of those who criticize the incorporation of GM foods into the foods we eat. Can consumers trust the objectivity of the findings of a scientific community influenced by the money and power of agro-chemical multinational corporations, many of whom finance the testing of foods before they hit our grocery shelves? Director Bertram Verhaag’s exposé paints a vivid picture of a scientific community in danger of losing its objectivity in the face of such pressure.

DIRECTOR BIO: Bertram Verhaag was born in Sosnowitz (Upper Silesia) in 1944, studied sociology and economics. Free-lance worker in the department of urban development in Munich for three years. He attended the Munich College of Film and TV. In 1976 he founded DENKmal-Film Production with Claus Strigel. Collaborating as producers, authors and directors, they have produced more than 90 films for cinema and television.

2011 Pan African Film Festival
Culver Plaza Theatres (across from Sony Studios)
9919 Washington Boulevard, Los Angeles 90232

http://www.paff.org/panafricanfilmfestival/scientists-under-attack/