PMA Films: Common Ground (Art in Bloom Signature Program with MOFGA and Maine Farmland Trust)

SCREENING IN THE BERNARD OSHER FOUNDATION AUDITORIUM

105 minutes. Not Rated. Directed by Rebecca Harrell Tickell and Josh Tickell. In English. DCP.

Common Ground is the highly anticipated sequel to the juggernaut success documentary, Kiss the Ground, which touched over 1 billion people globally and inspired the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to put $20 billion toward soil health. By fusing journalistic expose’ with deeply personal stories from those on the front lines of the food movement, Common Ground unveils a dark web of money, power, and politics behind our broken food system. The film reveals how unjust practices forged our current farm system in which farmers of all colors are literally dying to feed us. The film profiles a hopeful and uplifting movement of white, black, and indigenous farmers who are using alternative “regenerative” models of agriculture that could balance the climate, save our health, and stabilize America’s economy – before it’s too late.

After the film, stay for a panel discussion moderated by the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association (MOFGA) in collaboration with Maine Farmland Trust. Panelists to include Maine farmers and community leaders who will share how Maine farms are investing in the health of our soils and our rural communities – and what we all can do to help.

Panel Speakers:

·       Bill Pluecker (Moderator) – Public Policy Organizer at MOFGA, State Representative, farmer at Begin Again Farm in Warren

·       Stacy Brenner – President & CEO at Maine Farmland Trust, State Senator, farmer at Broadturn Farm in Scarborough

·       Caitlin Frame – Board Member at Maine Farmland Trust, farmer at The Milkhouse in Monmouth

·       Caleb Goossen, PhD – Organic Crop and Conservation Specialist at MOFGA

·       Alessia McCobb – Board Member at MOFGA, farmer at Sound Pine Farm in Brunswick