Two decades ago, Percy Schmeiser, well known Bruno farmer, businessman, and politician found himself embroiled in a years-long battle with agriculture giant Monsanto over the presence of GMO canola in his fields. This fall, that landmark battle comes to the big screen with the film Percy, featuring Academy Award winner Christopher Walken in the role of the embattled farmer and activist.

The film is set to be released by Mongrel Media on October 9 in a national release of larger markets such as Toronto and Vancouver with other dates to follow. Bonne Smyth with Star PR handles publicity for the film in Canada. 

“The press kits for the film are being put together and the trailer has been released through Mongrel Media,” says Smyth who noted that director Clark Johnson would be making himself available for comments closer to the film's release. Shot primarily in and around Winnipeg with some elements shot in India, the film features a stellar cast including Zach Braff of Scrubs TV fame, Christina Ricci, and Canadian film and television star Adam Beach.

The film chronicles Percy Schmeiser’s discovery of Monsanto’s proprietary chemical resistant canola in his field through the subsequent investigation and legal action by the company. Schmeiser’s insistence on the rights of farmers to harvest and use his planted seed led to his becoming an international figure on the rights of seed preservation and use. 

The upcoming feature is produced by Canada’s Scythia Films and directed by Clark Johnson whose directing credits include the big screen adaptation of the television series S.W.A.T., starring Samuel L. Jackson, and the 2006 Micheal Douglas political thriller The Sentinel.

Given that Schmeiser is a long-time notable local figure, interest is mounting for a local screening of the film.