Initially, Grist’s Nathanael Johnson was skeptical of the new “GMO OMG” documentary, a story of Director Jeremy Seifert’s discovery of GMOs, and how they impact his three children and the world around them. After enjoying the film, however, Johnson reached out to Seifert to discuss science, food, fatherhood, and fear, while looking to learn more about the motivations behind the project.
An excerpt:
I didn’t think I’d like GMO OMG, because it looked like an outrage documentary … My problem with outrage documentaries is that the form pushes directors to overstate their case and ignore nuance. I can’t enjoy a good fury fest when I’m aware that someone is trying to manhandle me into anger.
When I got a chance to watch GMO OMG before its release I figured I’d last for a few minutes, then switch it off. But I surprised myself by lingering until the end, and enjoying it. GMO OMG is an outrage documentary: It starts with the premise that GM food is frightening and demands that the audience get angry. But that’s not all it is. Director Jeremy Seifert accomplishes something remarkable when he turns his camera on his family…
Read the full, original story here: “Food, fatherhood, and fear: Documentary wades into GMO debate with honest emotions”
Additional Resources:
- The Johnson-Grist series
- “GMO OMG: Film Review,” Hollywood Reporter
- “Review: The Inconvenient Truth of GMO OMG,” Eater
