Raising Resistance

Raising Resistance is a thought-provoking documentary that takes a deep dive into the complex reality of global politics, agriculture, and the struggle of the local people against bio-engineered crops. The film is directed by Bettina Borgfeld and David Bernet and produced in 2011, introducing real people in real-life situations. The film stars Geronimo Arevalos, Nelson Arevalos, and Silvia Arevalos who play themselves, sharing their struggle against genetically modified organisms (GMOs).

One of the great features of this film is the way it turns its gaze on a universal, globally significant issue and thoroughly locates it in a specific context. The movie sets its stage in Paraguay, where the Monsanto Corporation has leveraged the political landscape to introduce genetically engineered soy. The arrival of soy cultivation on an industrial scale leads to socioeconomic and ecological devastation that turns the lives of small farmers like Geronimo Arevalos and his family upside down. Ironically, these people, whose lives and survival fundamentally depend on the land, find themselves wrestling with modern forces that are profusely indifferent to their plight.

The Arevalos family, along with other small farmers, are one of the last bastions of conventional, native agriculture in an era of corporate-driven, GMO-influenced farming. They form part of a larger resistance movement, attempting to establish their claims and rights over their land, traditions, and lifestyle.

Raising Resistance is an exploration of the heart-wrenching battle these local farmers endure, front lining the fight against the domination of genetically engineered crops. This documentary underlines the stark contrast between small-scale farming driven by the principles of sustainability and respect for nature, and large-scale, profit-driven industrial farming that seems intent on causing ecological damage.

Directors Bettina Borgfeld and David Bernet do an excellent job in capturing the everyday trials and tribulations of these farmers. This is not just a film about agriculture; it is about people's lives, their traditions, their livelihoods, and their connection to the land they cultivate. The individuals portrayed in the film make it real and relatable, enabling audiences across the globe to recognize that the struggle happening in Paraguay is universal. Likewise, the documentary focuses on the resilience of these farmers and their ability to stand their ground despite the overwhelming odds against them.

The narrative is hard-hitting, with a tension that boots up throughout the film. There are small victories, harsh setbacks, poignant moments of calmness amid the storm, and sparks of hope that keep the fighters and viewers alike ignited with expectation. However, Raising Resistance does not paint an overly dramatic picture. Instead, it remains grounded in reality. The film attempts to balance its portrayal by also giving a voice to proponents of industrial farming.

The cinematography adds another layer to the storytelling. It beautifully captures the authentic lifestyle of the Paraguayan people and the contrasting devastation brought onto their lives. The lush green farms, the simplistic village life, and the unadulterated beauty of nature contrast starkly with the impersonal, destructive machinery of industrial farming. A sense of melancholy grips the viewers as they witness the devastation of these landscapes through deforestation and contamination from aggressive farming practices.

In conclusion, Raising Resistance is a compelling documentary that examines the harsh realities of global agriculture from the viewpoint of those directly impacted by it. It powerfully combines storytelling and factual data to make a poignant point about a subject that might be otherwise dismissed as mundane or nerve-racking. Through the Arevalos family, the film humanizes a global crisis, empowering viewers to consider the broader implications of our food choices and the importance of supporting sustainable agriculture.