Film Screening: Seeds of Change
This documentary film made by University of Manitoba (U of M) professor Stéphane McLachlan, U of M PhD student Ian Mauro, and independent videographer Jim Sanders, is a balanced yet hard-hitting exposé of the controversy surrounding genetically modified crops and how they have changed the face of agriculture in western Canada.
Seeds of Change examines the controversy surrounding the use of genetically modified (GM) crops across the Canadian prairies. A publicly funded project, and part of a larger, comprehensive research program examining the risks associated with biotechnology in agriculture, this documentary contributes a new voice and perspective to the debate – that of farmers.
But unfortunately, Seeds of Change was not publicly released until over three years after University of Manitoba (U of M) PhD candidate Ian Mauro, U of M professor Stéphane McLachlan, and independent videographer Jim Sanders completed it, in the fall of 2002.
Over the course of the long delay, spreading news of the film’s existence garnered considerable interest from farmers, researchers, and policy makers from around the world, including those from Australia, the EU, and the US.
The public release of Seeds of Change was delayed until November 2005 because of the efforts of the U of M administration to hide the film from a popular audience. The administration actively prevented the release of the film through the use of outdated bylaws that gave them 50% control over the Seeds of Change footage.
Informative and highly accessible, Seeds of Change is also balanced in the sense that it presents both pros and cons surrounding the GM crop technology, providing a “radical centre” perspective in a debate that is fueled by extreme positions.
Following the film screening, Cinema Politica and the Fredericton Playhouse will host a facilitated discussion with Kelly Bronson, Acting Director for Science and Technology Studies at Saint Thomas University, and Amanda Wildman, Executive Director of the National Farmers Union New Brunswick. Cinema Politica’s own Tracy Glynn and Sophie Lavoie will facilitate the discussion.
In partnership with Cinema Politica
Film Screening: Seeds of Change | Monday, March 14, 2016 | 7:00pm | No Charge
The East Coast Production Group presents:
George Canyon
The East Coast Production Group invites you to join us for what is sure to be an extraordinary night of music at The Fredericton Playhouse on Tuesday, March 15, 2016 featuring George Canyon’s Jekyll and Nothing to Hide Tour!
Canyon’s show will feature his full band and performances of past hits as well as songs from his brand new album “I Got This”. He’ll even treat you to a few acoustic versions of some of his biggest hits. This is sure to be a powerful show, packed with high energy and emotion!
Opening Act: Tristan Horncastle
Horncastle’s show will feature he and bandmate Matt Mazerolle. You will enjoy a mix of Tristan’s biggest hits and likely hear his new single “Drinkin’ Girl’ which is from his brand new album set for release February 5, called “Turnin’ Up A Sundown”.
George Canyon | Tuesday, March 15, 2016 | 7:00pm | Buy Tickets
Spotlight Series
Brass Transit
The Musical Legacy of Chicago
Eight of Canada’s most in-demand musicians and singers with a common love for the greatest jazz-rock group of all time form Brass Transit, a dynamic, crowd-pleasing, studio-tight Chicago tribute band. With world-class horn players, a rocking rhythm section and vocals stacked sky-high, Brass Transit transports its audience back to the freewheeling days of the ’70s. You’ll hear all the hits from Chicago’s golden age, from “Hard to Say I’m Sorry” to “If You Leave Me Now.” With energy and precision, Brass Transit truly embodies the spirit of Chicago.
Brass Transit | Thursday, March 17, 2016 | 7:30pm | Buy Tickets
Spotlight Series
SEEDS
A Porte Parole production
Written by Annabel Soutar, directed by Chris Abraham
An award-winning documentary play, SEEDS is a dramatic reenactment of a four-year legal battle between a Saskatchewan farmer and Monsanto Inc., one of the biggest biotech corporations in the world. Based on court trial transcripts and interviews with the companies, academics, lawyers, scientists and other individuals who were drawn into the real-life story, SEEDS is a suspenseful tale of epic legal conflicts, scientific showdowns about genetically modified food, and property clashes between farmers and the biotechnology industry.
Written by playwright Annabel Soutar of Montreal-based company Porte Parole and directed by Chris Abraham of Toronto’s Crow Theatre,
SEEDS examines one of the most important and controversial issues of our time, and will leave you with deep questions to ponder long after the performance ends.
SEEDS | Saturday, March 19, 2016 | 7:30pm | Buy Tickets
