April 27 Only
FREE. Advance Reservations are recommended but not required.
Presented in partnership with American Farmland Trust & Climate Smart Millerton.
A Discussion and Q&A will follow the film.
Directors: Josh Tickell, Rebecca Harrell Tickell
Cast: Laura Dern, Rosario Dawson, Jason Mamoa, Woody Harrelson, Ian Somerhalder and Donald Glover.
Common Ground is a hopeful and uplifting story of the pioneers of the “Regenerative Movement” who produce tremendous quantities of nutritionally dense food and are working to balance the climate – all while bringing our entire ecosystem back to life. The film explores how Americans from different walks of life, different political backgrounds, and different parts of the country share one thing in common –the very soil beneath their feet. The film investigates the power of “regenerative” farming systems –from large to small-scale farmers who are the champions of soil health as the key to unlocking more (and healthier) food to feed America and the world.
About our panel:
King Aswad, Co-Founder of The Institute of Afrofuturist Ecology and Founder of Claudine Farms.
As Founder of Claudine Farms, King has translated his farming knowledge into a successful organization that cultivates and sells organically grown cannabis in New York State. He and his wife, Jasmine, also co-founded The Institute of Afrofuturist Ecology, where they explore the potential of emerging economies and technologies and the relationship between nature and Black culture. As a lead farmer, King has developed a deep understanding of organic cultivation techniques, including crop rotation, cover cropping, and natural pest contro and is dedicated to promoting sustainability and wellness. Learn More
Stuart Farr, Farmer and Owner of Hudson Valley Hops & Grains
Stuart Farr farms 380 acres, most of it beside Route 82 in Ancramdale and off Route 7 at the Ancram/Copake border. Farr’s Hudson Valley Hops & Grains operation grows sunflowers, black beans, hops, wheat, rye and other grains.
Aaron Ristow, Senior Agricultural Specialist at American Farmland Trust.
With a background in soil health and 20 years in the field, Aaron Ristow works to identify solutions for farmers facing unique problems on their operations. He leads the Genesee River Watershed Demo Farm Network, established by American Farmland Trust in collaboration with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), partnering with 17 farm operations to support the adoption of regenerative farming practices in New York’s Genesee River Watershed.Through the Demo Farm Network, Aaron works with farmers to increase knowledge about on-farm conservation systems that build soil health and benefit the environment. Learn more
“THE KEY TO SAVING OUR PLANET MAY BE IN THE SOIL.” – Film Inquiry