NOT ALL GERMS ARE CREATED EQUAL: New Documentary Resistance, presented by Applegate, Sounds the Alarm on Superbugs

NOT ALL GERMS ARE CREATED EQUAL: New Documentary Resistance, presented by Applegate, Sounds the Alarm on Superbugs

50 State Screening Series & Digital Download Now Available to Commemorate 86th Anniversary Of The Discovery of first Antibiotic

WASHINGTON, June 4, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Strep throat as a life-threatening illness? No more surgeries due to high risk of infections? As the 86(th) anniversary of the discovery of penicillin approaches, a new film explores how antibiotics, medicine's miracle drug, may soon be rendered useless and presents solutions to averting the antibiotic-resistance "cliff."

Uji Films and Applegate will screen the new documentary Resistance in Washington, DC June 11 followed by a congressional briefing on Capitol Hill. The event is part of a 50-state screening series that includes digital streaming availability of the film. The documentary uses a blend of interviews, archival material, animation, and vérité footage shot across the U.S. and other parts of the globe to showcase how the modern miracle of mass-produced antibiotics is reaching a potentially catastrophic scenario due to overuse and mismanagement.

Through personal stories and commentary from the world's leading experts, Resistance reveals the journey that turned one of the greatest health achievements into one of the greatest threats humanity has ever faced.

"Every day new reports suggest we are losing our battle against antibiotic- resistant superbugs. Resistance pulls back the curtain on how we got here, and provides insights into what we can do so that these life-saving medicines we rely on will work when we really need them," said filmmaker Michael Graziano, Uji Films.

Graziano includes seventeen subjects representing a wide array of perspectives on the issue, including health professionals, government officials, victims of antibiotic-resistant infections and even animal farmers and veterinarians, as 80 percent of the antibiotics in the U.S. are sold for farm animals.

"We have been at the forefront of the antibiotic-free meat movement for more than 25 years, and I'm so very relieved to see more interest and concern about the topic," said Stephen McDonnell, founder and CEO of Applegate, the nation's largest producer of natural and organic meats. "I'm not afraid of losing a competitive edge in the antibiotic-free meat market, but I'm terrified of superbugs. That is why we are proud to work with so many leading organizations to support the distribution campaign for this exceptional and moving film that will help galvanize the movement to save antibiotics."

The Washington, DC screening of Resistance is the second leg of a 50 state tour, presented by Applegate, and is creating open and productive dialogue about the challenges of antibiotic resistance, opportunities for engagement, and resources the public and others who view the film can use to get involved. The Resistance team is working with Applegate, Environmental Working Group, Food & Water Watch, Natural Resources Defense Council, The Pew Charitable Trusts, and Slow Food USA among others. More information about the tour and digital download at www.resistancethefilm.com.

About Uji Films
Michael Graziano produced and directed Resistance. He and Ernie Park, who also helped produce Resistance, founded Uji Films in 2007. Their films have aired in more than 100 countries and have been screened at a variety of well-known film venues and festivals around the world. Their previous documentary film, Lunch Line, was screened across the US and in Europe and Australia sparking dialogue and collaboration on both sides of the school lunch divide. Prior to joining with Ernie to form Uji Films Michael received an MA from Georgetown University and was a PhD Candidate teaching fellow in film and media studies at Northwestern University in Evanston, IL.

Visit www.resistancethefilm.com or www.facebook.com/resistancethefilm for more information.

Applegate is committed to educating consumers about how food is produced and how that impacts people and the planet. The company has been at the forefront of the antibiotic-free meat movement for more than 25 years, and has advocated for safe, sustainable, and natural foods through civic engagement and participation in public and private partnerships that promote truth and transparency in food production. Applegate supports the use of film to connect with consumers on important food policy issues and has sponsored efforts such as the school lunch documentary Lunch Line and the Whole Foods Market Get Reel Film Festival. applegate.com

SOURCE Uji Films

Uji Films

CONTACT: Jody Arlington / jodyarlington@mac.com / 202.316.4316


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