CHICAGO (June 27, 2025) –
In a world increasingly shaped by climate disasters and rising food insecurity, Global Seed Savers presents a powerful and urgent story of resilience at the FACETS Film Forum on Friday, June. 27, at 6 p.m. with the Chicago 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 our home of Denver, 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 fellowship in the Philippines by Mejia and Qua through the Princeton ReachOut 56-81-06 Herbert C. Paschen, Jr. ’56 Fellowship and was produced as part of the inaugural Princeton University ReachOut Paschen Pair Fellowship.
There was also a special tabling that occurred at the Facets Theatre with FACGC Chairman Jerry, Flor, and Myra in support of the film HASIK, which emphasizes the importance of seed saving. As a FilAm, I was moved by the film that features a wide array of dialects and locations, including the beautiful storytelling of the student production. Learn more about HASIK and look out for a special time at the Rizal Center where we’ll be making improvements to our community garden.
The next proposed workday is on July 6th from 11 AM to 2 PM to work on the garden; we hope it won’t be too hot!
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