MANILA, Philippines?Most of the movies we get to watch are of the fictive, storytelling sort. So, when a full-length documentary like ?Food, Inc.? reaches our film or TV screens, it?s a bracingly different viewing experience.

That goes double when the documentary in question is as topical and hard-hitting as Robert Kenner?s exposé on the mass food production business in the United States. The production blows the lid off some unhealthy and environmentally harmful processing practices that need to be addressed to assure the safety and good health of millions of consumers.

Specifically, ?Food, Inc.? focuses on the industrial production of meat. In the documentary?s view, the whole process got into trouble when it shifted from small farms where animals were fed grass to huge conglomerates that now fatten cattle, pigs and chickens on corn-based mixes.

Big shift

The big shift led to unhealthy excesses in pesticides and chemical fertilizer production that has polluted waterways and wreaked havoc on the world?s ecological balance.

Even more disturbing is the way that modern meat production has tipped consumers? diet in favor of excessive sugar and fat, resulting in the rise of diabetes and cardiovascular diseases, not to mention increased risk from salmonella poisoning.

The documentary goes on to address corollary issues, like the industrial production of grains and vegetables, the excesses of which have turned out to be environmentally unsustainable.

Shortcuts

The whole food production process has unraveled, because commercial competition has made it imperative for the greatest amount of food to be produced at the least possible cost. For this to happen, dangerous shortcuts have been taken that have put the planet and its inhabitants at risk.

Expectedly, the production has been criticized by food chains for indulging in unenlightened generalizations that subvert, instead of encourage intelligent and productive discussion. On the other hand, ?Food, Inc.? has been praised for its sobering exposé of excessive production practices that need to be modified to assure the human race?s health and safety.

A reviewer observes, ?Documentaries work when they illuminate and alter what we think, and that makes ?Food, Inc.? a solid success and a must-see film.?

On the other hand, another commentator noted that the production ?fails to realistically address how else we might feed the world on the sustainable agriculture model favored by the filmmakers.?

Topical issues

Despite these and other negative notes, ?Food, Inc.? was a finalist in the 35th Seattle International Film Festival?s documentary category. Would that our own documentary filmmakers could similarly shed light on other topical issues confronting the populace.

Like ?Food, Inc.,? they could end up stepping on a few toes and raise the hackles of some well-connected companies and organizations. But, they would definitely earn the support and gratitude of the viewing public, whose all too real needs and concerns are glossed over by most of the TV shows they watch.