KATSDORF. As part of the Film Days on the Right to Food, the Austrian premiere of “The Last Seed” will be shown in the Katsdorf cinema on November 26th. The documentary addresses seed policy and its impact on farmers in South Africa, Tanzania and Senegal.
Up to 783 million people suffer from hunger worldwide. More than 2.3 billion people currently lack access to healthy food. In Europe, rising prices are putting further pressure on the population. Internationally, hunger is increasingly being used as a weapon of war. For the 13th time, the Film Days on the Right to Food bring critical documentaries to cinemas across Austria that highlight the problems with our global food production – but also what we can do about it.
Film discussion afterwards
On Tuesday, November 26th, the documentary “The Last Seed” will be shown in the German-language version at the Katsdorf cinema at 7:30 p.m. The film (ages 12 and up) focuses on the threat to African agriculture posed by the fight for seeds, and highlights the determined efforts of farmers in Africa to stand up to corporations.
During the film discussion that follows, Ambrose Osakwe, an agricultural expert from Caritas Austria, with projects in the Congo and Burundi, will be available to answer questions and discuss things. He also explains what Austria can learn from farmers in African countries that are already more severely affected by the climate crisis. Admission: 9.50 euros, more information available www.kino-katsdorf.at
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Guest 1: Ambrose Osakwe, Agricultural Expert from Caritas Austria
Question 1: Could you provide an overview of the documentary “The Last Seed” and its importance in raising awareness about the ongoing issue of seed policy and its impact on farmers in South Africa, Tanzania, and Senegal?
Answer 1: The Last Seed is a powerful and informative documentary that highlights the significant role that seed policies play in the livelihoods of smallholder farmers in South Africa, Tanzania, and Senegal. It sheds light on how multinational companies are trying to monopolize the seed industry, which poses a threat to these farmers’ economic and food sovereignty by controlling access to seeds and the prices they pay for them. The film emphasizes the critical importance of preserving traditional seed systems and the innovative strategies that farmers in these African countries are adopting to reclaim their control over seeds. The documentary’s importance is that it not only raises awareness about this issue but also inspires viewers to think critically about their role in promoting sustainable food systems and supporting smallholder farmers who are at the heart of global food production.
Question 2: How does the fight for seeds contribute to increasing hunger worldwide?
Answer 2: The fight for seeds contributes to hunger worldwide by limiting access to affordable and nutritious food. When multinational corporations control seed supply, they often prioritize developing seeds that are profitable, such as hybrid crops that require farmers to purchase new seeds each season. This leads to an increased dependency on corporations and limits farmers’ choices, forcing them to use seeds that might not be well suited to their local environments or dietary needs. In many cases, this results in a reduction in agricultural biodiversity, making food production less resilient and more vulnerable to climate change and pests. By highlighting these issues, The Last Seed encourages viewers to consider the long-term implications of our food systems and the potential consequences of neglecting smallholder farmers’ rights and livelihoods.
Question 3: What can be done to promote food sovereignty and ensure that smallholder farmers have access
