GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. — The Triplex Cinema and the Dr. Robert C and Tina Sohn Foundation announced the second film in their summer environmental series.

 

"Into the Weeds" is a critically acclaimed documentary about Roundup herbicide and its effects on the environment, and will screen on Aug. 20 at 7:15pm. Free tickets are available at the Triplex website.

 

Prior to the screening, nine-term Massachusetts State Representative Carmen Gentile of Sudbury will introduce the film and speak about  House Bill 813, which seeks to govern the use of pesticides container the herbicide substance Glyphosate in the Commonwealth. Gentile serves on the House Environmental and Natural Resources Committee and the Massachusetts Legislature has already had success going after the use of neonicotinoids, insecticides that harm honeybees and other pollinators. 

 

According to a press release:

 

"Into the Weeds," directed and written by Jennifer Baichwal, asks the important question: does the most widely used weed killer in the United States cause cancer ? The film follows the riveting story of groundskeeper Lee Johnson and his fight for justice against agrochemical giant, Monsanto, the manufacturer of Roundup herbicide. Blending interviews, testimonials, trial footage, news coverage and vérité, the film follows the progression of this groundbreaking lawsuit, while also stepping back to consider the systemic impact of glyphosate-based herbicides on human health, our food systems, and the biodiversity of our planet.

 

Following the screening, there will be a talkback to discuss the issues highlighted in the film with Academy Award winning filmmaker Bobby Houston who has written a screenplay about the effects of glyphosates; Stephen Franz, a research pathologist  with Global Environmental Options; Brittany Ebeling, Deputy Director of the Berkshire Environmental Action Team; and other speakers. 

 

Local environmental groups will display materials on tables in the Triplex lobby and  members of the groups will be available to discuss their mission. This program is envisioned as an important "information exchange" between  local environmental groups and members of our community. 

 

"The Board is excited and energized by our environmental series and thanks the Dr. Robert C. & Tina Sohn Foundation for their critical support. We look forward to sharing 'Into the Weeds,',and the important discussion we know the film will engender, with our community," Nicki Wilson, president of the Triplex Board of Directors said. "This film reflects the Triplex's strong commitment to an issue we know is of interest to our community, and we look forward to presenting more programing like this in the future. I also would like to thank Stephanie Blumenthal, coordinator of environmental programming for the Triplex, for helping organize this event, and Nan Wile for introducing us to this important film and all of her work on behalf of this important issue."

 

The Sheffield based Dr. Robert C & Tina Sohn Foundation supports a broad spectrum of causes which support the environment, alternative health care and the arts. The foundation is particularly interested in funding educational projects which bring an awareness of the environment, alternative health care and the arts to those who are underserved, particularly to young people. 

 

Triplex Cinema, Inc. is a 501(c)3 nonprofit showing movies for all, providing a space where people from the Berkshires and beyond discover filmed entertainment - first-run, independent, foreign language, classic, children's and documentary - while also showcasing locally produced films and thematic programming. The Triplex partners with schools and local nonprofits to enable programming that speaks to the needs of our community. Visit us at thetriplex.org.