Transforming Perspectives: How Film Revolutionizes the Narrative of Farming and Food Justice

At the recent “All Things Food and Environment” Summit in Park City, Utah, filmmakers and food advocates gathered to discuss the power of storytelling in transforming food and agriculture. This event, co-hosted by Food Tank and Nespresso during the Sundance Film Festival, showcased films that highlight the benefits of regenerative farming and celebrate Indigenous foods. It also aimed to connect young eaters with their food.

One exciting project mentioned is “The Envoy Show.” This docuseries will feature an episode on fonio, a nutritious and climate-resilient crop from West Africa. Host Anne Marie Hagerty believes that fonio’s story perfectly illustrates the interconnectedness of health, wealth, and the planet.

Chef Pierre Thiam, who started the brand Yolélé, is passionate about promoting fonio. He sells the grain and snacks made from it to help improve biodiversity and support local farmers. Thiam calls fonio a “Trojan horse,” suggesting that the successful model he created for fonio can also be applied to other underappreciated traditional crops that offer valuable social and environmental benefits.

Thiam emphasizes that it’s not only about one grain; it’s crucial to reintegrate various underutilized crops back into our food systems while supporting small farmers who have cultivated these plants for generations.

Another documentary making waves is “Farming While Black,” which focuses on Leah Penniman and others involved in reclaiming land for Black farmers in the U.S. Produced by Konkent Films, this film sheds light on the historical challenges faced by Black agriculturalists and highlights the efforts of a new generation of Black farmers.

Lynn Waymer, a producer with Kontent Films, shares that “Farming While Black” has resonated widely and even reached unexpected audiences. Some universities are using the film to educate about important topics, such as heirs’ property rights. Waymer believes that understanding this history is crucial for creating a more liberated society, and food plays a central role in that process.

For deeper insights, you can listen to discussions with Lynn Waymer, Pierre Thiam, and Anne Marie Hagerty from the summit on the “Food Talk with Dani Nierenberg” podcast. They share their inspiration and the challenges of producing these impactful documentaries.