Secret Ingredients (film)
Secret Ingredients is a feature-length documentary directed by filmmaker Amy Hart and Jeffrey M. Smith. The film was released on October 18, 2018. The movie received Green Planet Award at "Rhode Island International Film Festival" "Award Of Excellence" from Impact DOCS and Impact Award at "Illuminate Film Festival" in the same year. There is a scientific consensus No reports of ill effects from GM food have been documented in the human population. Plot and Themes. The film is developed with the central theme of how food intakes with GMO (Genetically Modified Organisms) diet have affected peoples  and how a change of diet, pruning out GMO foods have improved general health. The film depicts the condition of Kathleen DiChiara and her family, who have been suffering from numerous chronic illnesses and diseases. When the family adopted an organic diet, they experienced improved health conditions as a family. DiChiara, after experiencing the benefits of an organic diet, later became a functional diagnostic nutrition practitioner. The documentary also narrates the personal experiences of a number of individuals other than that of DiChiara's, who have been suffering from different diseases including cancer, obesity, anxiety, brain fog, allergies, digestive problems , fatigue, skin conditions, infertility, autism, gluten sensitivity, etc. The narration explains and claims how opting for an organic diet without GMO-based foods yielded helpful consequences in their day-to-day living. The film also combines the expert opinions and views of the scientists and physicians like David Perlmutter, Anthony Samsel, etc. in the form of interviews about their personal experiences to support such claims and explanations. With the portrayal of the 'personal experiences' of different group of people suffering from severe health conditions and their consequent holistic 'benefit' from the change in food habit by eliminating GMO based products , the film essentially tries to conclude that for most of the major known illness, ailments and physical diseases that people suffer, the "duo of GMOs and Roundup" are the responsible 'ingredients' as the title 'secret ingredients' indicates. Receptions. Critical Reception. The film received a range of reception including praise, for questioning the facts regarding GMO and Roundup and trying to address those. The criticism was mostly for not considering additional factors other than GMO based food products, while concluding GMO and Roundup as the sole origin for the chronic diseases. Neuropathologist Michelle Gariari stated about the film “The personal stories  shared in Secret Ingredients are compelling, truly inspiring and self-empowering for anyone who seeks to heal and regain their health!”. Raine Saunders from "Agriculture Society" remarked while reviewing the film "Although the many individual experiences shared in this film are heart-wrenching, its main takeaway is convincingly clear and encouraging: Consumers have the power through knowledge, buying habits, and dietary choices to make lasting, positive change – not only for their own health but for that of future generations and the planet as a whole". Tim Durham of AG Daily whose family operates Deer Run Farm, while subjectively describing the  film to be one of the "anti-ag “shockumentaries”" questioned the usage and "positioning of doctors" and states "We have a motley crew of legitimate doctors working outside their area of expertise, as well as a chiropractor and naturopath". He also questioned the selection of the "duo of GMOs and Roundup" as the sole responsible agents for severe ailments. In June 2021, Monsanto agreed to pay $10 Billion to Settle Cancer Suits filed by the individuals who suffered from usage of Monsanto's herbicide product Roundup (one of the main accused 'ingredients' of the documentary) while leaving more than  4000 lawsuits on the same ground unsettled as in March 2021.