A soon-to-be-released documentary reportedly painting genetically engineered foods in a sympathetic light is getting positive buzz, but is also blasted by GMO critics, who point out the film was funded by the Institute of Food Technologists.

Food Evolution "is set amidst a brutally polarized debate marked by fear, distrust and confusion: the controversy surrounding GMOs and food," according to the film's official website. Astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson narrates the documentary, which defends the use of GMO technology in food production, according to early reviews.

GMO critics have latched onto the fact the film is funded by IFT, a Chicago-based scientific society for food industry professionals.

"The film's credibility suffers from their choice to embrace only the science and scientists who side with the chemical industry players who profit from GMOs and the chemicals used on them, while ignoring science and data that doesn't fit that agenda," said Stacy Malkan in an op-ed on the Huffington Post. Malkan is co-director of U.S. Right to Know, a group that advocates for mandatory labels on foods containing GMOs. http://bit.ly/2sQ1umq

In a statement on its website, IFT acknowledged funding the film but said the filmmakers retained full creative control of the project. The organization was seeking to produce a film "to inspire discussion and show the critical role science and innovation play in building a safe, nutritious and sustainable food supply for everyone."

"Food Evolution focuses on the GMO debate because the director found it to be emblematic of the public misunderstanding about the science of food and food sustainability," the group said. http://bit.ly/2sqbQsK

Filmmakers Trace Sheeham and Scott Hamilton Kennedy said on the film's website they were approached by IFT about the possibility of making a documentary about the food system. The two were skeptical at first, having never heard of the group before. But they were reassured after learning IFT wasn't a trade association but a society representing food scientists.

"They represent science, scientists and the body of scientific knowledge that continues to evolve, as science does," the filmmakers said. http://bit.ly/2rRqACi

Early reviews of Food Evolution have been positive. Hollywood Reporter said the film "makes an excellent case against those who seek blanket prohibitions against genetically modified organisms." The Seattle Times gave the documentary three out of four stars, saying it "may well change a few minds."

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