"King Corn" is a documentary film that was released in 2007 and directed by Aaron Woolf. The film follows the journey of two college friends, Ian Cheney and Curt Ellis, as they move to Greene, Iowa to grow an acre of corn. Along the way, they discover the many ways in which corn impacts both their own lives and the world at large.
One of the most striking facts about corn revealed in the film is its widespread use in the American diet. Corn is found in a vast array of processed foods, from soda and chips to chicken nuggets and hamburger buns. In fact, the average American consumes over 50 pounds of corn per year, making it one of the most commonly consumed crops in the country.
Another fact highlighted in the film is the environmental impact of corn production. Corn is a particularly resource-intensive crop, requiring large amounts of water, fertilizers, and pesticides to grow. These inputs can have negative consequences for both air and water quality, and contribute to soil erosion and loss of biodiversity.
The film also explores the role of government subsidies in the corn industry. Corn farmers in the United States receive billions of dollars in subsidies each year, which some argue has led to an overproduction of corn and a distortion of the market. This excess corn is often used to produce ethanol, a biofuel that is mixed with gasoline to reduce emissions from vehicles. However, the efficiency of this process has been called into question, as it takes more energy to produce ethanol than it actually provides when burned as a fuel.
In addition to these issues, "King Corn" touches on the health impacts of a diet heavy in corn-based products. Many processed foods made from corn contain high levels of sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats, which can contribute to a range of health problems such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.
Overall, "King Corn" presents a thought-provoking and eye-opening look at the role of corn in modern society. It highlights the many ways in which this seemingly innocent crop has a far-reaching and often negative impact on our lives and the environment.
