Documentaries about farmers offer a unique glimpse into the lives of those who work the land, providing food for our tables and maintaining traditions that have been passed down through generations. This collection of films delves into the challenges and rewards of farming, from the vast fields of America to the small plots in Europe, highlighting the resilience, innovation, and spirit of farmers around the world. Whether you're interested in sustainable agriculture, the impact of climate change, or simply wish to understand the backbone of our food supply, these documentaries will enrich your perspective on farming.
King Corn (2007)
Description: Two friends move to Iowa to plant an acre of corn, exploring America's corn-centric agricultural system, its impact on health, and the environment. It's a humorous yet poignant look at modern farming practices.
Fact: The filmmakers actually lived in Iowa for a year to document the entire growing cycle of their corn.
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Food, Inc. (2008)
Description: While not exclusively about farmers, this film exposes the industrial food system, highlighting the plight of small farmers and the control large corporations have over our food supply.
Fact: The film was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature.
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The Biggest Little Farm (2018)
Description: This film follows John and Molly Chester as they trade city life for 200 acres of barren farmland in California, aiming to create a sustainable farm. It's a testament to the power of regenerative agriculture and the beauty of nature's cycles.
Fact: The film took eight years to make, capturing the entire transformation of the farm from barren land to a thriving ecosystem.
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The Plow That Broke the Plains (1936)
Description: A classic documentary by Pare Lorentz, it examines the Dust Bowl, the impact of poor farming practices, and the government's response, providing historical context to modern farming issues.
Fact: This film was one of the first documentaries to be funded by the U.S. government.
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The Real Dirt on Farmer John (2005)
Description: Farmer John Peterson's journey from a conventional farmer to an organic, community-supported agriculture pioneer is both inspiring and enlightening, showing the transformation of his family farm in Illinois.
Fact: The film includes rare archival footage from the 1950s, providing a historical perspective on farming.
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The Greenhorns (2010)
Description: This documentary focuses on young farmers in America, exploring their motivations, the challenges they face, and their contributions to sustainable agriculture, offering hope for the future of farming.
Fact: The film was inspired by a book of the same name, which profiles young farmers across the U.S.
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The Farmer's Wife (1998)
Description: This documentary captures the life of a Nebraska farming couple over three years, showcasing the emotional and financial struggles they face, providing an intimate look at the personal side of farming.
Fact: The film was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature.
30 Days Free The Last Crop (2015)
Description: This documentary follows an aging farmer in rural Japan as he faces the decision to either continue farming or sell his land, reflecting on the future of agriculture in a rapidly urbanizing world.
Fact: The film was shot over four years, capturing the changing seasons and the farmer's life.
30 Days Free The Farmer and the Horse (2012)
Description: This short documentary captures the bond between a farmer and his horse, illustrating the traditional farming methods still used in some parts of the world, emphasizing the human-animal connection in agriculture.
Fact: The film was shot in black and white to evoke a sense of timelessness.
30 Days Free The Harvest (2010)
Description: This documentary sheds light on child labor in American agriculture, following three migrant farmworker children as they balance school and work, highlighting the often overlooked issues within farming communities.
Fact: The film won the Best Documentary Feature at the Ashland Independent Film Festival.
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