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New Documentary Sheds Light on the Environmental Impact of Factory Farms

The release of “Common Enemy,” a short documentary directed by Adam Peditto and produced by The Humane League, marks an exploration into the underbelly of modern animal agriculture. This exposé looks deep into the heartland of the United States, particularly Oklahoma, to uncover the devastating consequences of industrialized corporate agribusiness, also known as concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs).

Source: @TheHumaneLeague/YouTube

The documentary presents a sobering reality where nearly 200 million animals are raised for food annually in Oklahoma alone. In this landscape dominated by a handful of major corporations, the film showcases a community grappling with pollution, residents bearing the brunt of environmental degradation, and animals subjected to inhumane treatment in the pursuit of maximizing corporate profits.

“Common Enemy” not only highlights the environmental havoc wreaked by modern animal agriculture but also celebrates the resilience of those living in its shadow. Through firsthand accounts from Oklahoma residents, including members of Indigenous communities, environmental activists, and former farm employees, the documentary amplifies voices often marginalized in discussions about the food system.

Pamela Kingfisher, a member of the Cherokee Nation, Drew Edmondson, former District Attorney, and Denise Deason-Toyne, president of Save the Illinois River, are among the voices featured, offering compelling insights into the multifaceted impacts of industrial agriculture on communities, ecosystems, and animal welfare. The film lays bare the stark reality of factory farming, where animals are confined in cramped conditions, deprived of sunlight and the ability to engage in natural behaviors. Moreover, it underscores the disproportionate burden borne by farmworkers and their families, who face direct exposure to pesticides and suffer from water and air Pollution.

One of the most alarming revelations of “Common Enemy” is the staggering amount of waste generated by factory farms, with 1.4 billion tons of manure produced annually in the United States alone. This waste, stored in vast sewage lagoons, poses a significant threat to local groundwater and public health, underscoring the urgent need for systemic change. The documentary serves as a call to action, urging viewers to confront the predatory practices of an industry that exploits both human and animal lives. By visiting CommonEnemyFilm.com, audiences can engage with the film and take steps to address the systemic issues plaguing our food system.