Witness the struggles and triumphs of African small-scale food producers as they navigate the complex web of science, politics, and economics surrounding the corporate capture crisis. Enlightening insights from experts shed light on the perilous state of our food systems and the urgent need for change.
However, amidst the challenges, there is hope. Meet the agroecological farmers who, with wisdom and resilience, embrace sustainable and adaptable agricultural practices. Their testimonies resonate with wisdom worth exploring, offering a glimpse of a better way forward.
As the film reaches its crescendo, it leaves us with an uplifting finale. Senegalese women rise up, fueled by unwavering determination to safeguard their seeds and indigenous knowledge for future generations.
The Seed Struggle in Africa
The first clip from the film, entitled “The Seed Struggle in Africa” is now available to the public.
La lutte Pour Les Semences En Afrique
Through the lens of this film, the makers delve into a reality often overlooked - the struggle for control over the bedrock and source of agriculture, the seed. The freedom to feed oneself, the power to decide what grows on our farms and gardens, what we eat on our plate and the assurance of having food to feed our family is more than just basic rights - they are the epitome of true freedom.
A silent war is being waged against African farmers as powerful multinational seed companies and foreign investors compete to seize control over Africa's seed sovereignty. In the name of development, doors are being flung open for these entities to exploit Africa's resources, secure new markets, and alter national laws for their business interests.
At the heart of this war is the seed - the beginning of the agricultural value chain. It determines what crops will be planted, and under what conditions. However, if the control over seeds is lost, it means losing the right to food sovereignty. It equates to relinquishing control over food systems and hence, losing everything.
A silent war is being waged against African farmers as powerful multinational seed companies and foreign investors compete to seize control over Africa's seed sovereignty. In the name of development, doors are being flung open for these entities to exploit Africa's resources, secure new markets, and alter national laws for their business interests.
At the heart of this war is the seed - the beginning of the agricultural value chain. It determines what crops will be planted, and under what conditions. However, if the control over seeds is lost, it means losing the right to food sovereignty. It equates to relinquishing control over food systems and hence, losing everything.
Filmmakers
ANDRÉA GEMA - DIRECTOR - EDITOR. Andréa Gema is a South African filmmaker who has worked in the film and advertising industry for over 10 years, taking a special interest in making sure complex stories are told in an engaging and refreshing way. Having volunteered with multiple NGOs throughout her life, she readily took this opportunity to combine her film skills with the hope of change, by depicting this important story for both African and international audiences to see.
JAN URHAHN - EXECUTIVE PRODUCER. Jan Urhahn coordinates the Food Sovereignty Programme of the Rosa-Luxemburg-Stiftung in Johannesburg, South Africa. He mainly works on topics such as farmworkers’ rights, the impacts of hazardous pesticides, seed ownership, and Green Revolution approaches versus viable alternatives such as agroecology.
REFILOE JOALA - PRODUCER. Refiloe Joala is the Food Sovereignty programme manager in the Southern Africa Regional Office of the Rosa-Luxemburg-Stiftung in Johannesburg, South Africa. She is particularly interested in the nature and outcomes of changing agro-food systems within the context of growing corporate control in Southern Africa, and she also works on seed sovereignty and farmworkers’ rights in the region.
FAMARA DIÉDHIOU - PRODUCER. Famara Diédhiou has over 15 years’ professional experience working mostly in rural development in African countries, particularly in the establishment of community seed and cereal banks, organising women’s groups for urban-rural partners. As West Africa based program officer under the Alliance for Food Sovereignty in Africa (AFSA), Famara Diédhiou is active in various networks to advance the food sovereignty struggle and African driven solutions.
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