Open Sesame: The Story of Seeds is a film by M. Sean Kaminsky. I know seeds are important—you can’t plant a garden without them—but this film took this to a whole new level! The most impactful demonstration of this was the fact that some species of plant would have been entirely wiped out by pathogens had it not been for one particular variety of the plant that was resistant.
It’s hard to talk about good nutrition without knowing where our food comes from. And this is why I think this film is important for nutrition professionals and people who care about good nutrition.
After watching this film I have a greater appreciation for biodiversity. Biodiversity really is an important issue. 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. The film has facts like this interspersed with documentary style interviews with famers and seed savers.
The people in the film are very likeable and off-the-grid type for the most part, but they very relatable and their passion for seeds is palpable and inspiring.
Also featured in this film is the legal battle to gain protection for farmers. Currently, Monsanto, who owns patents for genetically modified seeds, has the legal standing to sue farmers who have Monsanto’s seeds in their fields. This seems ludicrous but Monsanto has successfully sued for this very thing. So, the film is a David and Goliath story too with some clips of the plaintiff’s and their side of this issue. I won’t spoil the outcome for you.
This film is also a real call to action. Here are a few I took away from the film:
- buy organic;
- support local agriculture;
- choose heritage seeds;
- and save seeds and share your seeds, especially if you have some seeds that have been passed down to you that may no longer be commercially available.
Bottom Line
Open Sesame – The Story of Seeds is a great film. It has given me new respect for seeds. I feel inspired to buy some organic seeds, plant them and then save the seeds (not sure if I’ll do the saving bit, but I’m certainly inspired at the moment!). This film will be especially enjoyed by farmers, gardeners and all of you green thumbs out there. Two green thumbs up from me!