HÀ NỘI — The science documentary film Food Evolution was screened in Hà Nội on Tuesday followed by a panel discussion on the topic of ‘The scientific view about Genetically Modified Food Safety’. The event was organised by CropLife Vietnam in collaboration with the US Embassy in Việt Nam.

The safety of GM food is among the topics that draws great interest from both scientists and customers.

Pro-GMO or anti-GMO arguments are both fiercely delivered. Composed and conducted by Academy Award-nominated director Scott Hamilton Kennedy, Food Evolution film provides an objective, neutral view on this greatly polarised debate.

Embracing critical thinking, the film raises crucial questions: How do we ensure that our foods are safe? How do we feed the world’s increasing population? How do we develop agriculture while at the same time protecting the planet? Has genetic engineering increased or decreased pesticide use? And what data, evidence and sources can be used to address these important questions? The film is narrated by Dr. Neil de Grasse Tyson along his journey from papaya farms in Hawaii to banana fields in Uganda.

The film embraces a variety of perspectives and scientific evidence, based on interviews conducted with leading experts as well as real farmers.

The film therefore carries an honest and objective perspective. “Consistently, I am neither pro-GMO nor pro-organic: I am pro-science!… I do not hope this movie can turn over the whole debate about GMO, neither GMO nor non-GMO is perfect,” said director Kennedy. 

“Food Evolution is about how important and difficult it is to decide how we feed ourselves – and the rest of the planet – safely, nutritiously, and sustainably,” he said. The movie screening follows CropLife Vietnam’s commitment to supporting and promoting the application of biotech agriculture.

This event’s objective was to provide information and scientific perspectives on GMO safety as well as access to safe, environmentally friendly food sources.

This was also an opportunity to bring GMO’s knowledge and definitions closer to young people and to create a bridge between the young generation and leading experts in Việt Nam, helping them build their own scientific and critical points of view regarding the topic. — VNS