Detroit Public Television (DPTV) is debuting a new ethanol documentary this Sunday, October 9, 2016 at 9:00 pm ET called, “The Ethanol Effect“. The film, produced by DPTV, takes a look at the controversy surrounding the challenges of the best use for America’s corn production: food or biofuel. The worldwide premier of the documentary is on PBS’ World Channel. (Click here to view promo clips and for additional air times.)

“The Ethanol Effect” delves into what Ethanol is, demonstrates the production process and investigates the human, environmental and political costs of growing and refining corn for fuel in America. The documentary also dives into why the choices between food or biofuel are sparking controversy across the country. Interestingly, I met the production crew this past January in Altoona, Iowa during the Iowa Renewable Fuels Summit where they had access to various speakers including Iowa Governor Terry Branstad, USDA Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack, presidential hopefuls, and more biofuel experts.

The documentary is hosted by David Biello, science and technology curator for TED. He takes viewers on a journey from Iowa’s farm fields to Washington’s corridors of power.

“The Ethanol Effect will definitely make you question your assumptions about biofuels. While we stay true to our journalistic integrity and ‘let the viewer decide’ approach to storytelling, this documentary certainly uncovers some surprising developments,” said Ed Moore, DPTV’s award-winning producer of the Alfred I. DuPont/Columbia award-winning series Beyond the Light Switch.

We’d love to hear from our readers after the documentary airs and encourage comments to this post.