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GROW: Do Something Reel™ Film Festival

By Elizabeth Smith, August 1, 2012  |  Meet the Blogger  |  More Posts by Elizabeth Smith

In April we proudly launched the Do Something Reel™ Film Festival, an online collection of provocative, character-driven films that focus on food, environmental issues and everyday people with a vision of making a world of difference. Simply put, it’s a celebration of people who understand that small steps can create big change. The Do Something Reel™ Film Festival continues this month with GROW!, a documentary that captures the energy and independence of a fresh crop of young farmers.

Filmed on 12 farms throughout the state of Georgia during an entire growing season, GROW! provides an honest and inspiring look at the next generation of farmers. Discover what inspires a new generation of hip, college-educated young people to leave the cities, turn their backs on more lucrative careers and return to America's agrarian roots. Interested in a sample? Watch and get a taste of this passionate documentary.

GROW! Movie Trailer (2:00) from Anthony-Masterson on Vimeo. Drawn to these farmers because of their dignity, passion, intelligence and dedication to growing clean, fair food, Anthony-Masterson – the husband and wife photography/filmmaking team – is behind GROW! They have been documenting young, organic and sustainable farmers in Georgia since they moved to Atlanta from Los Angeles in 2005. GROW! is Anthony-Masterson’s first feature length film. The film is available through the festival’s web site until the end of the month.

A new film will be launched online on the first of each month. Prices vary by film with proceeds helping to fund two $25,000 AFI Silverdocs grants for filmmakers in the green genre. There is one viewing per purchase. Do Something Reel marks the first time these documentaries will be available to purchase and stream online, so make sure to watch them while they are available. Visit Do Something Reel’s web site for additional video, behind-the-scenes talks with filmmakers and other materials free of charge. Plus, stay tuned for Lunch Line in September.

Why do you think people like the young aspiring farmers featured in GROW! are turning to a career in agriculture? Have you ever entertained thoughts of doing something similar?

Category: Do Something Reel, Green Action, Trends & New Stuff
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6 Comments

Comments

admin says ...
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07/24/2012 4:26:32 PM CDT
Duncan says ...
LOVE IT!! I grew up in the country where we farmed and raised our animals, the family farm life. I have wanted to get back to growing crops and raising animals all on a sustainable farm. This movement inspires me and helps to keep the flame of getting "back to my roots" alive. Thanks for sharing! -Duncan
08/01/2012 5:24:47 PM CDT
Dee says ...
Small farms can be more sustainable than big, industrialized farms by doing the following, for example. Grow a variety of crops, provide nectar sources for pollinators year-round by planting locally native plants, collect/use rainwater, avoid withdrawal from aquifers in excess of replenishment from precipitation, grow farm animals as well as crops, compost greens/browns/manure and apply liberally on fields, avoid pesticides/herbicides/fertilizers, avoid heavy farm equipment that pollutes the air and compacts the earth, prevent erosion by wind and water.
08/01/2012 7:55:46 PM CDT
lu walker says ...
I have a small farm here in Apex North Carolina where I have been growing my own fruits, veggies and flowers. Making our own Salsa and selling fresh farm eggs for quite a while now. What an amazing life. It makes me feel good to know I can grow for my local community and eat fresh from the dirt, and grow good quality food. What a great film for the farmers. Love & Peas Lu's Farm
08/03/2012 6:08:54 PM CDT
Douglas Mitchell says ...
This movie is AWESOME. I am inspired to start farming. Farming vegetables, herbs has been "growing" in my heart. Thanks for providing this outreach. Where can I learn more and get involved? Is there funding to get started? Blessings, Douglas
08/15/2012 8:09:48 AM CDT
Tecoria Jones says ...
The cycle of Healthy Earth, Healthy People, Healthy Food- Being a Farmer is laying hands on the Earth. And there is real reciprocity in watching growth and abundance, harvest and fallow. The relationship between Farmer and Earth is passionate, this movement carries the passion. So now, you know, go GROW!
12/28/2012 11:55:05 AM CST