Movies About Farming

From John Chester, starring John Chester, Molly Chester, Todd, Alan York
Rated PG

The Biggest Little Farm is a 2018 documentary directed by John Chester which follows John and his wife Molly as they embark on an ambitious mission to develop a sustainable farm on 200 acres outside of Los Angeles. Through careful stewardship of the land and its diverse animal inhabitants, they work to create a thriving ecosystem that gives back more than they take. Along the way they must face many challenges and struggles, including the threats of drought, predators, and the encroachment of urban sprawl. Ultimately the film celebrates their persistence and resilience in the face of these challenges, and showcases their success in creating a beautiful and sustainable farm that continues to grow and thrive.

From Graham Meriwether, starring Fred Kirschenmann, Daniel Salatin, Joel Salatin, Paul Willis
Rated Not Rated

American Meat is a documentary film directed by Graham Meriwether, exploring the current state of the United States industrial food system and the growing need for a sustainable agricultural system. Through interviews with farmers, ranchers, agricultural experts, and food activists, the film tells the stories of the people who are challenging the status quo of industrialized farming and providing alternatives to the factory farming system. Meriwether examines the environmental, social, and economic implications of industrial farming, and its effects on the health of people and animals, as well as the environment. The film also examines the potential of sustainable agriculture as a way to restore our soil, food supply, and communities. The film ultimately calls for a shift away from factory farming towards a more sustainable and humane agricultural system.

From Mark Devries, starring Steven Best, Richard Dawkins, Gary Francione, Bruce Friedrich
Rated Not Rated

Speciesism: The Movie is a 2013 documentary by director Mark Devries that examines the concept of speciesism, which is the belief that humans are superior to animals and are justified in exploiting them. Through interviews with ethical animal activists and philosophers, the film explores the history of animal exploitation and its effects on the environment, human health, and animal welfare. Additionally, it looks at various solutions to the problem, such as veganism, animal rights, animal law, and humane animal farming. The film argues that speciesism is a form of discrimination, and that it is time for humans to recognize the moral worth of animals and treat them with more respect.

From Directors: Cyril Dion, Mélanie Laurent, starring Anthony Barnosky, Olivier De Schutter, Cyril Dion, Emmanuel Druon
Rated G

Tomorrow is a 2015 French documentary film directed by Cyril Dion and Mélanie Laurent. The film looks at different initiatives around the world that are providing solutions to the most pressing environmental and social issues of our time. It follows four characters as they travel around the world looking at practical solutions to these problems, such as permaculture, urban agriculture, and community-supported agriculture. The film also looks at the importance of renewable energy, sustainable transportation, and the need for a new economic model that puts people and the planet first. Ultimately, it conveys the message that a better future is possible with collective action and a shift in our attitudes and behaviors.

From Lee Fulkerson, starring Lee Fulkerson, Matthew Lederman, Alona Pulde, T. Colin Campbell
Rated PG

Forks Over Knives is a documentary film released in 2011 and directed by Lee Fulkerson. It examines the profound claim that most, if not all, of the degenerative diseases that afflict us can be controlled, or even reversed, by rejecting our present menu of animal-based and processed foods. The film is based on the idea that foods derived from whole plants are the healthiest for human beings and explores the research of Dr. T. Colin Campbell and Dr. Caldwell Esselstyn. It also shows the powerful results of switching to a whole food, plant-based diet. The film follows various individuals who have reversed their health problems and includes interviews with leading medical experts, including Dr. John McDougall, Dr. Michael Greger, Dr. Neal Barnard, and Dr. Dean Ornish. The film promotes the idea that a plant-based diet can prevent and even reverse many chronic diseases, including heart disease, diabetes, and obesity.

From Stephanie Soechtig, starring Michele Simon, Katie Couric, Bill Clinton, Michael Pollan
Rated PG

Fed Up is a 2014 documentary directed by Stephanie Soechtig, which focuses on the causes and consequences of America’s obesity epidemic. The film explores how the food industry, with its powerful lobbyists, has succeeded in convincing the public that sugary and processed foods are safe, nutritious and beneficial when in reality they are not. It follows the stories of several young people suffering from obesity and shows how food corporations have used tactics such as marketing, corporate subsidies and political influence to keep unhealthy foods inexpensive and accessible, while healthful food remains expensive and out of reach. The film argues that the government’s dietary guidelines are heavily influenced by the food industry and that the public is being misled about what constitutes a healthy diet. The documentary culminates in a call to action and encourages viewers to actively participate in creating a healthier food system.

From Deborah Koons Garcia, starring Charles Benbrook, Grace Booth, George W. Bush, Ignacio Chapela
Rated Not Rated

The Future of Food (2004) is a documentary film directed by Deborah Koons Garcia. The film examines the complex and often hidden issues surrounding the industrial production of food and its health and environmental consequences. It discusses the implications of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs), their increasing prevalence in the food supply, and the health and environmental risks associated with them. The film also examines the influence of the agribusiness industry and the corporate control of the food supply. The film features interviews and conversations with farmers, scientists, activists, and food industry experts and offers a comprehensive overview of the issues. Ultimately, the film calls for greater transparency and accountability in the food industry and the promotion of organic and local food production.

From Sandy McLeod, starring
Rated Not Rated

Seeds of Time is a 2013 documentary film by director Sandy McLeod. The film follows agricultural scientist Cary Fowler as he embarks on a mission to save the future of our food supply by preserving the world's crop diversity. Fowler, with the help of the Global Crop Diversity Trust, travels the world in search of the rarest and most unique seeds, believing that this diversity of crops is essential to the future of humanity. Along the way he meets passionate farmers, scientists, and activists who share his dedication to preserving the planet's biodiversity. The film highlights the importance of maintaining crop diversity and the potential catastrophic effects of a global monoculture, and ultimately serves as a warning of the potential consequences of our actions.

From Directors: Anna Chai, Nari Kye, starring Dan Barber, Mario Batali, Massimo Bottura, Anthony Bourdain
Rated TV-MA

"Wasted! The Story of Food Waste" (2017) is a documentary film that examines the alarming amount of food waste and its impact on the environment and society. The film follows a group of chefs, from the renowned Rene Redzepi to the experimental Dan Barber, as they travel the world in search of solutions to alleviate the global food waste crisis. Throughout the journey, viewers gain insight into the various causes of food waste, including overproduction, lack of education, and improper storage. The film also explores various solutions implemented by chefs and activists to reduce food waste, such as composting, using every part of the food, and donating excess food to charities. The documentary ultimately reveals the human cost of waste and raises awareness of the importance of developing sustainable solutions to the global food waste crisis.

From Directors: Joe Cross, Kurt Engfehr, starring Joe Cross, Amy Badberg, Merv Cross, Virginia Cross
Rated Not Rated

Fat, Sick & Nearly Dead is a 2010 documentary by directors Joe Cross and Kurt Engfehr. Following the journey of Cross, an overweight and unhealthy Australian businessman, the film chronicles his journey to America to pursue a juice fast and regain his health. Along the way, Cross meets an American truck driver and convinces him to join him in his journey to better health. The two of them embark on a 60 day journey to dramatically change their diets, lose weight, and gain energy. Through their journey, the film shows the power of juicing to improve health, and how the human spirit can conquer all obstacles.

From Bill Haney, starring Paul Newman, Christopher Hartley
Rated Unrated

The Price of Sugar is a documentary that follows the story of Father Christopher Hartley, a Catholic priest from Spain, who travels to the Dominican Republic to confront the injustices associated with the country’s sugarcane industry. Through Father Hartley’s visits to the plantations, interviews with workers, and investigations into the corrupt government, the film exposes the exploitative labor practices, poverty, and environmental destruction that have been hidden from the global market. Through the story of Father Hartley and the workers, The Price of Sugar makes a plea for social and political reform in the Dominican Republic and for an end to the exploitation of its people.

From Taggart Siegel, starring John Peterson, Anna Nielsen, John Edwards, Lester Peterson
Rated Not Rated

From Damon Gameau, starring Damon Gameau, Hugh Jackman, Milla Bakaitis, Richard Davies
Rated Not Rated