Scientists Under Attack 

http://www.responsibletechnology.org/scientists-under-attack

Biotech’s Dirty Tricks Exposed in New Documentary Scientists Under Attack – Review by Jeffrey M. Smith

Film by Bertram Verhaag and Denkmal Films. 60 minutes, Plus 30 minute bonus documentary: Monster Salmon.

“One question means one career.” This was the harsh warning of UC Berkeley Professor Ignacio Chapela for those daring to conduct independent research on genetically engineered foods and crops. “You ask one question, you get the answer and you might or might not be able to publish it; but that is the end of your career.” Both he and biologist Arpad Pusztai dared to asked questions and do the research. And then all hell broke lose.

Using stunning visuals filmed on three continents, veteran German filmmaker Bertram Verhaag tracks the fate of these two scientists at the hands of a multi-billion dollar industry that is desperate to hide the dangers of their genetically modified organisms (GMOs).

BR Online says of the film, “Belief in noble and incorrupt research and science is reduced to absurdity.” Arthouse says the “movie shows how purchased truth becomes the currency in the perfidious business between science and multinationals.” And GMWatch writes, “Original research showing problems with GM crops is buried under a deluge of smears and follow up studies are not done.” Read the full Review

Watch the Trailer

From the Director

For  more  than  30 years I’m making documentaries together with Claus Strigel in our own production company  DENKmal-Film.  We made about 120 films in three decades, among them eight full-length cinema productions. We as producers, authors and directors are consequently, persisting and sustainably engaged without exception in political, environmental and social themes. In the last 10 years we have developed nine films on the theme of genetic engineering in own direction and production, which encourage many people to get active in politics or resistance.

My latest film “Scientists under Attack – Genetic engineering in the magnetic field of money” started in the German cinemas on March 10th. “Scientists under Attack” is a documentary thriller on the theme of genetic engineering and the independence of science. We show the fate of scientists – such as Árpád Pusztai and Ignacio Chapela – who do research in the field of genetic engineering and who were punished through character assassination and by withdrawing their means of research. They are only examples for many important scientists whose careers have been ruined. Statements of scientists prove that 95 % of the scientists in the field of genetic engineering are paid by the industry. Only 5 % are independent. The loss of freedom of thought and democracy is obvious. May the public – may we all – still trust the scientists?

DENKmal-Film produces with its films products which have a high common use for all and it is in the best sense a “social business”. We participate in the “movement” of our society to more humanity, respect of nature and of natural laws, to sustainability and we encourage to interfere.

Film by Bertram Verhaag and Denkmal Films. 60 minutes, Plus 30 minute bonus documentary: Monster Salmon. $19.95

Press Reviews

International Awards

– Prize at the Indie Fest 2010 in the category “Current Best of Show Winners”

– Top 10 place at Kansas International Film Festival

– “AT&T Award for environmental conservation and Stewardship” at the Arpa Film Festival

– “THE COLUMBUS INSTITUTE FOR CONTEMPORARY JOURNALISM” AWARD

– ACCOLADE AWARD: FEATURE DOCUMENTARY

– Best feature Documentary at the Maverick movie Awards 2010

– Best original score at the Maverick Movie Awards 2010

Invitations to international festivals

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Film by Bertram Verhaag and Denkmal Films. 60 minutes, Plus 30 minute bonus documentary: Monster Salmon.