In a world increasingly shaped by climate disasters and rising food insecurity, Global Seed Savers presents a powerful and urgent story of resilience at Facets, 1517 W. Fullerton Ave, Chicago 60614, on Friday June 27, at 6 p.m. with the local premiere of “Hasik (To Sow)”.
In this timely, full-length documentary, filmmakers Marissa Mejia and Mandy Qua follow five farmers at the forefront of the fight for food and seed sovereignty — working to preserve their agricultural heritage through saving seeds. They boldly confront a future made uncertain through climate change and the actions of both their government and multinational corporations.
“We are honored to bring these powerful stories of our partner farmers’ resilience and commitment to preserving their culture and heritage through saving seeds to Chicago’s Facets, where the global and local impacts of climate change are increasingly evident,” said Sherry Manning, Founder and CEO of Global Seed Savers. “The farmers’ resilience is viewed through a solutions-focused lens, reminding us of the critical importance of seed saving and call to return to this indigenous practice in the Philippines and around the world.”
The Philippines, one of the countries most impacted by climate change, is grappling with intensified typhoons which threaten its agriculture sector and 40% of Filipino workers. Meanwhile, government programs in partnership with the deeply concentrated multinational seed sector have harmed sustainable growing conditions.
The film was born out of a 13-month immersion in the Philippines by Mejia and Qua, and was produced as part of the inaugural Princeton University ReachOut Paschen Pair Fellowship,
The premiere event begins at 6 p.m. with a reception featuring light Filipino cuisine refreshments and opportunities for connection. Facets concessions will be available and include: popcorn, candy, and soda.
The evening continues with a screening of “Hasik (To Sow)” at 6:30 p.m., followed by a post-film Q&A.
About Global Seed Savers: www.globalseedsavers.com
Global Seed Savers is an international nonprofit organization dedicated to organizing, educating and mobilizing smallholder and family farmers in creating seed sovereignty and fostering sustainable communities and regenerative ecosystems. GSS is headquartered in Denver with staff across the Philippines. Save Seeds. Grow Food. Celebrate Heritage!
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