“Occupy the Farm” tells the story of 200 urban farmers who walk onto a publicly owned research farm and plant it with two acres of crops in order to save the land from becoming a real-estate development.
The film captures an intense conflict over one piece of land. Compelling characters on both sides of the battle create a remarkable narrative in which community members employ an ingenious strategy to confront a powerful institution in the effort to preserve public land for urban farming.
From preparing the soil to police raids, from lawsuits to overflowing harvests, “Occupy the Farm” reveals a determined community responding with a direct action to address a major social need: healthy food and access to public land.
“From the moment I arrived on the Gill Tract I knew that this was an important story and that the farmer’s strategy was new, unique and hopeful,” said Todd Darling, Director. “I am fortunate that these historic events played out in front of our cameras over the weeks and months that we followed them. It was like catching lightening in a bottle.”
“Riveting from the start! It illustrates the staggering extent to which corporate interests dictate policy and shape scientific research.” — Village Voice
“Sweeps up the viewer in a fast-paced, character-driven narrative.” — East Bay Express
“Empowering food for thought.” — Los Angeles Times