APALSA & VGS Present: 'Okja' with Prof. Ben-Shahar
Online-Only Law School Event
1111 East 60th Street, Chicago, Illinois 60637
Presenting student organizations: Asian Pacific American Law Students Association Vincent Gambini Society
The Asian Pacific Law Students Association and the Vincent Gambini Society present a screening of
Okja (2017)
starring Ahn Seo-hyun, Tilda Swinton, Jake Gyllenhaal, Steven Yeun, and Lily Collins
with commentary by Professor Omri Ben-Shahar
Okja is the story of a young girl, named Mija, and her pet pig, named Okja. It just so happens that Mija's beloved Okja is a genetically modified creature who's on loan to her from a multinational food conglomerate -- which is in the business of developing "super pigs" for mass consumption. When Okja is taken from her by that same business, Mija goes on an international adventure to rescue her friend from a grisly fate. Along the way, Mija crosses paths with a group of radical animal rights activists who use some unconventional means to achieve their ends.
Directed and co-written by Bong Joon-ho (whose 2019 film Parasite won Best Picture, Best Director, and more at the Academy Awards), Okja has sparked debate about GMOs, ethical meat consumption, and global capitalism. Professor Ben-Shahar will provide introductory remarks and share his expertise on food law and GMOs.
Watch the trailer here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AjCebKn4iic.