Watch Wild Relatives

Wild Relatives is a 2017 documentary film directed by Jumana Manna. The documentary follows the journey of a family from Lebanon to Turkey in search of their ancestral wild plant species, especially the chickpea, which they believe is in danger of extinction. The film begins by introducing the family's history and its close relationship with its land and environment, as well as the importance of the wild chickpea for their culture and cuisine. The family shares stories about their ancestors migrating from Lebanon to Turkey and bringing with them the seeds of their beloved chickpea. The family has been cultivating and sharing the chickpea seeds among their relatives for generations.

However, the family grows increasingly concerned about the disappearance of wild plants in the region, including the chickpea. They believe that the cause of the disappearance is urbanization, climate change, and industrial agriculture. With the help of an NGO, the family launches an initiative to collect chickpea seeds from different parts of Turkey to establish a gene bank for the crop. They also hope to raise awareness about the importance of conserving wild plant species.

The film follows the family as they travel across Turkey, meeting with other farmers and agricultural researchers to collect chickpea seeds. We see the family's struggles to navigate the country's bureaucratic red tape and the challenges of working with other farmers who are suspicious of outsiders. The family's quest for chickpeas takes them to remote villages and bustling markets, where they encounter the diversity of Turkey's landscape and cultures.

Wild Relatives benefits from stunningly beautiful cinematography that captures the natural beauty of Turkey's regions, from the Taurus Mountains to the Black Sea. The film also utilizes a textured and enriching soundscape that immerses the viewer in the world of the family and their environment.

But the documentary is much more than just a road trip full of scenic views. It raises profound and urgent questions about the relationship between human beings and their environment, the dangers of monoculture in agriculture, and the importance of preserving traditional knowledge and practices. As the family searches for wild chickpeas, they also encounter other wild plants that are in danger of disappearing, such as the wild plum and almond trees. The film is a call to action to preserve biodiversity and tradition and to resist the homogenizing force of industrialization and globalization.

Overall, Wild Relatives offers a vivid and moving portrait of a family's struggle to keep its cultural heritage alive and to protect the wild plants that sustain it. The documentary is a testament to the power of human connections and the importance of preserving the natural world for future generations.