This film’s central theme is “If the soil dies, we die.” That’s a little dramatic, but this detailed documentary by Directors Rebecca Harrell Tickell and Josh Tickell shows why. It’s all about regenerative farming, and why it should be the standard, not only to produce safer, healthier food, but how it could even help slow climate change.
Farmers, particularly those with small farms, have a lot on their plate putting food on our plates, and this film shows how some simple changes managing the soil could make food more abundant and healthier for us all.
We understand Rebecca and Josh Tickell’s well-meaning use of known actors and politiciansreading letters to their children to help spread the importance of regenerative farming. They include Laura Dern, Jason Momoa, Donald Glover, Rosario Dawson, Woody Harrelson, and Senator Cory Booker. But what these famous representatives have to say is presented in a somewhat vague way without a solid, clear directive.
The Tickells use map animation and some catchy familiar music, including Aretha Franklin’s “Respect”, behind their travels all over the country to put a spotlight on the dire issue of soil depletion. They also point out that going back to techniques successfully used by indigenous peoples could put the soil back on track, richer than ever. “It’s as old as dirt.”
The work of prominent Black scientist of the early 20th century, Dr. George Washington Carver in addition to current Indigenous ecological scholar Lyla June Johnston of the Global Earth Foundation are of particular note, as well as American Indian nations and African American slaves. Post Civil War, early farmers were predominately more diverse. It’s no accident that now they are mostly White.
You see how some farmers grow crops unsuited for their location and climate, ie., corn and soybeans in cold climates. North Dakotan farmer, Gabe Brown shows how he has combatted that problem by not tilling the soil into a layer of dust that can be blown away, and covering the soil with crops, letting animals graze in between growing seasons to fertilize naturally and restore nutrients.
The most dramatic, and damning evidence of over-tilling and killing soil is the revelation of how Monsanto developed the RoundUp weed killer. Even in small amounts, it’s toxic to plants, animals, humans, groundwater and the soil microbial ecosystem. The company also makes a profit by selling the pesticides that sicken you, then closes the ring by selling the medicine to treat you for cancer and more diseases caused by the chemicals.
As in their past films, like Fuel, the Tickell’s lay blame at the feet of corporate and political greed, which, here, includes how federal subsidies are doled out in the Farm Bill. Factory farming on a huge scale has made the soil and the environment just like an “employee” of the corporations. By selling farmers weed killers and pesticides, they’re able to squeeze out more profit at the cost of bankrupting farmers and putting the health of their families, and all of us at great risk. There’s even a case of a young family farmer’s suicide because of the resulting crushing debt.
Credit goes to the Tickells for doing the research they present in great detail. But it is delivered at a very even pace, in a bit of a monotone, we think could the presentation could have been more dynamic with peaks and valleys to be more impactful. We would have liked to see more for what people can do instead of displaying the QR code to their web site for specifics on how to get involved. That said, this is an important issue that we hope more people will take the time to see.
Big Picture Ranch/Area23A. 1 Hour 45 minutes. NR
In select theaters. At The Music Box Theater Chicago, Saturday, November 18th. Rebecca and Josh Tickell in attendance for Q & A.
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