Farmer’s battle with Monsanto hits theatres

More than a decade in the making, the film “Percy” opened in select Canadian cities last Friday.

“Percy” is based on the truelife story of Percy Schmeiser, a small-town Saskatchewan farmer whose precedent-setting legal case ended in the Supreme Court of Canada after a sevenyear battle with the multinational agricultural giant, Monsanto.

Schmeiser died Tuesday afternoon at the age of 89. He had Parkinson’s disease, his son John said Wednesday.

Academy Award-winning actor, Christopher Walken, plays Percy, Zach Braff (“Garden State,” “Scrubs”) is Schmeiser’s lawyer, and Christina Ricci (“Sleepy Hollow,” “Monster”) plays an eco-activist supporting Schmeiser’s plight.

The movie is directed by

Clark Johnson (“The Wire”), a Canadian filmmaker with a history of telling stories focused on social justice issues.

“Percy” explores the importance of food security in relation to modern farming practices. Schmeiser’s case made international headlines and had legal implications for the agricultural industry around the world.

A controversial figure, Schmeiser was eventually found to have infringed on patent law. However, the Canadian farmer is considered a hero by environmentalists and farmers worldwide for having stood up for their rights.

The film was shot in

Manitoba in 2018 in Winnipeg and the surrounding area.

Percy Schmeiser, who was from Bruno, Sask., came into the spotlight in the late 1990s after he was sued and taken to court by Monsanto for using its genetically modified canola seeds without a licence.

He denied intentionally using the company’s herbicideresistant Roundup Ready seeds, saying they could have blown over from a neighbour’s farm or passing trucks.

The case went to the Supreme Court of Canada, which ruled that he infringed on Monsanto’s patent but did not have to pay damages to the company.

In a statement Wednesday, producer Daniel Bekerman said the filmmaking team developed a profound respect and admiration for Schmeiser.

“We are deeply saddened to learn of his passing. The Schmeiser family are wonderful people and we send our love to them,” Bekerman said.

“We are honoured to play a part in telling the story of a man who stood by his principles in the face of tremendous adversity.”

Schmeiser’s son said a private service will be held for the family, He declined to comment further.

Follow @percy_movie on IG/Twitter or go to @percythemovie on Facebook for more news and showtimes as the film is released in other cities this fall.