Documentaries Celebrating Farm-to-Table

Description: Focusing on sustainable farming practices, this documentary explores how farmers are working to build a more sustainable food system, one that can feed the world without destroying the planet.

Fact: The film features interviews with renowned chefs like Dan Barber and Alice Waters, who advocate for sustainable agriculture. It also showcases innovative farming techniques.

Description: This heartwarming documentary follows a couple as they transform a barren plot of land into a thriving, biodiverse farm. It's a testament to the power of regenerative agriculture and the beauty of working with nature rather than against it.

Fact: The film was shot over eight years, capturing the farm's evolution in real-time. It also features an adorable pig named Emma, who becomes a central character in the story.

Description: This documentary investigates the impact of government regulations on small farms, revealing how these laws often favor large corporations, affecting the quality and safety of our food.

Fact: The film features interviews with farmers who have faced raids and legal battles due to their farming practices. It also highlights the raw milk movement.

Description: This film tells the story of John Peterson, an unconventional farmer who transforms his family's traditional farm into an organic, community-supported agriculture operation, defying expectations and stereotypes.

Fact: The film was directed by Taggart Siegel, who spent 25 years documenting John's life. It also features a vibrant community of artists and activists who support the farm.

Description: This film documents the struggle of South Central Farmers in Los Angeles to save their 14-acre urban farm from developers, highlighting issues of food justice and community resilience.

Fact: The garden was the largest of its kind in the U.S. The film was nominated for an Emmy for Outstanding Informational Programming.

Description: Two friends trace the origins of their food by planting an acre of corn in Iowa, uncovering the surprising dominance of corn in the American diet and its implications for health and the environment.

Fact: The filmmakers, Ian Cheney and Curt Ellis, actually moved to Iowa to grow the corn themselves. The film was a hit at film festivals, sparking discussions on agricultural policy.

Description: An ode to the soil beneath our feet, this documentary explores the critical role dirt plays in our lives, from growing food to sustaining ecosystems, and the urgent need to protect it.

Fact: The film features interviews with environmentalists like Wangari Maathai and Bill Logan. It also includes stunning visuals of soil life, making the often overlooked dirt fascinating.

Description: A critical look at America's corporate-controlled food industry, this film exposes the hidden realities of food production, from seed to supermarket, highlighting the need for a return to sustainable farming practices.

Fact: The film was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature. It also inspired a book by the same name, expanding on the issues raised in the documentary.

Description: A celebration of young farmers, this film showcases the new generation of agriculturalists who are bringing innovation and passion back to farming, emphasizing the importance of local food systems.

Fact: The film was inspired by a project to document the lives of young farmers, leading to a broader movement to support new farmers. It also features a soundtrack of original music by the farmers themselves.

Description: This intimate portrait follows a Nebraska farm family over three years, capturing the challenges and triumphs of rural life. It's a poignant reminder of the human stories behind our food.

Fact: The film was produced by David Sutherland, who spent over 200 days filming the family. It won the Grand Jury Prize at the Sundance Film Festival.