The Seeds of Vandana Shiva - Movie Screening & Panel Discussion

Please note: this event has been postponed due to unforeseen circumstances. A new date will be announced shortly. If the rescheduled date doesn’t suit, ticket holders will be able to request a full refund.

Join Social Workers for Climate Action and the North Queensland Conservation Council for a powerful evening of film and conversation as we present The Seeds of Vandana Shiva - a documentary that illuminates the life and work of one of the world’s most influential environmental thinkers and food sovereignty activists, Dr Vandana Shiva.

This compelling film traces Dr Shiva’s journey from physicist in India to global advocate for biodiversity, small-scale farmers, and regenerative agriculture. Her story is both a critique of corporate-controlled industrial farming and a passionate call to protect traditional knowledge systems, seed sovereignty, and community self-determination.

The film runs for 82 minutes. Following the screening, we invite you to stay for a panel discussion and community Q&A.

• Emma Small, Townsville-based social worker and member of Social Workers for Climate Action, with deep experience in food banks and food insecurity.

• Dhiraj Gajera, Regional Soil Coordinator for Tropical North Queensland and a qualified agricultural scientist with nearly 40 years of experience across India, New Zealand, and Australia.

• Permaculture Townsville, a local community group promoting sustainable living and permaculture practices in the Dry Tropics.

  

Together, we’ll explore how Dr Shiva’s message resonates in North Queensland - especially in the context of climate change, ecological degradation, and social inequality.

This is more than a film screening. It’s an opportunity to reflect on how power operates through food systems - and how communities can resist extractive industries and reimagine relationships with land, food, and each other.

"Those who control the seeds, control the food. And those who control the food, control the people."
- Inspired by the philosophy of Dr Vandana Shiva

Come for the film, stay for the dialogue, and leave with inspiration to seed change in your own backyard. Whether you’re a grower, an eater, a changemaker, or just curious - this event is for you.

We also have some great seed and food related lucky door prizes for you!

Event Details
Date: Saturday, July 26
Location: Grill’d, Palmer Street, South Townsville
Arrival: From 5:30pm - order food and drinks
Film starts: 6:00pm
Event concludes: 8:30pm
Tickets: $10 general / $7 student or concession / 1$ financial hardship
Kids: Children under 12 years free, parental guidance recommended, mature themes
Extras: Feel free to bring a pillow or warm blanket to stay comfortable
Watch the trailer

FAQs:

Q: What kind of food is available?
Grill’d has a great selection, including vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options. A veggie or beef burger with small chips is available for under $22. Meals are ordered individually, so you can choose what works for you.

Q: Is the event budget-friendly?
Absolutely. We’ve introduced $1 tickets for those facing financial hardship — no questions asked. We want this space to be welcoming for everyone.

Q: Where at Grill’d will it be?
We’ll be set up in the large back space of Grill’d on Palmer Street. It's cosy and welcoming. Parking is available nearby on McIlwraith Street.

Q: Can I bring kids?
Yes, kids under 12 attend for free. The film is however rated 16+ due to its documentary nature exploring themes of environmental activism, food justice, and corporate opposition. Parental guidance is recommended.

Q: I’m not a gardener – will I still enjoy it?
Absolutely. This is about more than growing food. It’s about understanding the global forces shaping what ends up on our plate — and how our everyday choices connect to land, justice, and climate action.