Slow Food Russian River Summer Film Night: Open Sesame: The Story of Seeds
Join us and our partner the Community Seed Exchange for an evening of film and fun—and meet one of the movie stars. That’s right, Sara McCamant, founder and director of Community Seed Exchange, is one of the stars of the film and will share with us more about the film, Open Sesame: The Story of Seeds, and the important mission of her Sebastopol-based organization. (She says she has lots of seeds to share from their seed library of over 200 varieties of locally grown seeds!)
In addition, you’ll get to enjoy pizza and salad (with seeds, of course) plus complimentary tastings of MacPhail Family Wines and The Kefiry’s delicious probiotic beverages. Both companies will be selling full glasses for your enjoyment.
When: July 14, 2016 6:00pm to 8:30pm
Where: Fireside Room, Sebastopol Center for the Arts, 282 S High St, Sebastopol, CA 95472 Map
What: Film + seeds + pizza + salad +MacPhail wine and Kefiry tastings – for only $12 per ticket. (All profits split between Slow Food Russian River and Community Seed Exchange.)
Who: You! And tell your friends, but don’t delay. We have a limited number of tickets available.
The Film: Open Sesame – The Story of Seeds
“I really loved this film. It unlocks the door to the magical, powerful, and perilous world of seeds. It will open hearts and minds …” – Claire Hope Cummings, award winning author of: Uncertain Peril, Genetic Engineering and the Future of Seeds.
“A touching and spiritual film that will no doubt encourage discussion about the future of agriculture…” –Yes! Magazine
One of the world’s most precious resources is at risk. This timely and emotionally moving film illuminates what is at stake and what can be done to protect the source of nearly all our food: SEEDS. Seeds provide the basis for everything from fabric, to food to fuels. Seeds are as essential to life as the air we breathe or water we drink…but given far less attention.
According to the FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN), approximately 90 percent of the fruit and vegetable varieties that existed 100 years ago no longer exist today. Heritage grain is near extinction. Seeds that were lovingly nurtured over decades or even hundreds of years have been lost forever. Maintaining seed biodiversity allows us to breed new varieties that are resistant to pests or thrive in temperature extremes. This is essential in a changing climate.
Meanwhile, corporations are co-opting seed genetics using patent law. In the past, seeds were communal. They were a shared resource not unlike the water we drink or the air we breathe. One hundred years ago things started to change. Today, corporate-owned seed accounts for 82% of the world-wide market.
In this film you will meet a diverse range of individuals whose lives center around seeds. Farmers. Renegade gardeners. Passionate seed savers. Artists. Seed activists. This film tells the story of seeds by following their challenges and triumphs as they work to save this precious resource.
