Watch GMO OMG

GMO OMG is a thought-provoking documentary film from 2013 that explores the complex world of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and their impact on society and the environment. Directed by Jeremy Seifert, the film delves into the controversies and risks associated with GMOs, and challenges the audience to consider the ethics of genetically altering our food supply.

The film follows Seifert, a concerned father and filmmaker, as he sets out to investigate GMOs and their potential effects on his own family and the world at large. With the help of experts and activists like Vandana Shiva and Cary Fowler, Seifert delves into the science and politics of GMOs, and uncovers some disturbing facts about the current state of our food system.

One of the key issues explored in the film is the fact that a handful of multinational corporations now control the majority of the world's seed supply, thanks to patents and other legal mechanisms that restrict farmers from saving and sharing seeds. This has resulted in a decrease in biodiversity and has led to monoculture practices that are less resilient to pests and environmental changes. Furthermore, as Seifert discovers, many of these genetically modified seeds have been designed primarily to withstand herbicides and pesticides, leading to an overuse of these chemicals and concerns about the impact on human health and the environment.

As Seifert travels the world to explore these issues, he also confronts his own personal struggles as a dad trying to feed his family healthy, non-GMO food. He speaks with other parents who share his concerns, and tries to find ways to navigate the complex world of food labeling and product choices. This adds a personal touch to the film that makes it accessible and relatable for viewers who may not be familiar with the science behind GMOs.

One of the highlights of the film is the interviews with Vandana Shiva, an Indian environmental activist and philosopher who has long been a vocal opponent of GMOs and corporate control of the food system. Shiva argues that the push towards GMOs and monoculture is part of a larger extractive economy that commodifies nature, and that we need to shift towards more regenerative, community-based models of agriculture. Her insights provide a powerful critique of the corporate interests driving much of the GMO industry, and offer a compelling vision of a more just and sustainable food system.

Another important aspect of the film is the exploration of the regulatory framework around GMOs, and the role that government agencies like the FDA and USDA play in determining what foods are safe for human consumption. Seifert speaks with whistleblowers and experts who reveal how the regulatory system is influenced by industry lobbyists and political pressures, and how the testing and approval process for GMOs is flawed and inadequate. This raises important questions about how we can ensure the safety and transparency of our food supply in the face of powerful corporate interests.

Throughout the film, Seifert weaves together these different threads to create a compelling and emotional narrative that invites viewers to reconsider their own relationship to food and the natural world. He conveys a sense of urgency and frustration with the status quo, but also offers glimpses of hope and inspiration from individuals and communities who are working towards more sustainable and equitable food systems.

Overall, GMO OMG is a powerful and timely documentary that tackles one of the most important issues of our time. It offers a comprehensive and nuanced exploration of the risks and complexities of GMOs, and presents a compelling case for why we need to rethink our approach to food and agriculture. Whether you're a concerned citizen, a farmer, a scientist, or just someone who cares about what they eat, this film is a must-watch.

GMO OMG is a 2013 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 30 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.3 and a MetaScore of 49.