Of The Land

Of The Land is a gripping and thought-provoking documentary released in 2015. Directed by Bryan Law, this eye-opening film explores the fundamental changes and upheavals in our modern food system and delves into the controversial truths surrounding current agricultural practices. The movie's primary aim is to raise awareness of these concerns, posing essential questions about the future of our food supply whilst delivering a captivating viewing experience.

Of The Land takes a hard look at the changing landscapes of food production, especially in regards to genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and the meteoric expansion of big agribusiness. As the title suggests, the movie’s foundation rests heavily on the land itself – from the small farms to large agricultural giants, the focus remains on the functions, trials and tribulations, and the overall transformation of the terrestrial food landscape.

The film begins by examining the historical context of conventional farming methods and how the age-old harmony between mankind and mother nature has been replaced by industrialization and technologically driven farming practices. It offers a compelling narrative about how, over the years, we have moved from a community-based model of agriculture to a corporate-controlled one and the wide-ranging impacts this shift has had on our economy, environment, and health.

The movie features a diverse range of interviews with farmers, agricultural experts, nutritionists, as well as concerned citizens. These first-hand accounts and expert opinions provide perspectives from multiple angles, unearthing various layers of the complex issues facing our food system. Both sides of the argument are presented, giving the viewer a comprehensive understanding of the intricate balance that must be struck in order to nurture our planet while also catering to growing human needs.

Of The Land delves deeply into the current usage of GMOs, pesticides, and synthetic fertilizers, illuminating the various ways that these unnatural practices can adversely affect both immediate and long-term health factors. The movie goes to great lengths to reveal the dark side of our dependency on these chemicals, examining the scientific evidence of health risks and the controversies surrounding them.

However, Of The Land doesn't just focus on the negatives. It also highlights potential solutions and more sustainable agricultural practices. It profiles organic farmers and local food producers who offer hope for the future, showcasing the potential benefits of a return to more traditional, natural farming methods. ‘Regenerative agriculture’ – a method of farming that seeks to rehabilitate and enhance our ecosystem – is also discussed extensively, providing a viable, hopeful alternative to our current system.

Additionally, the film investigates the politics and policies that favor large-scale, industrial agriculture, detailing the system's extensive impact on small-scale farmers who continue to maintain traditional coexistence with the environment. In doing so, it digs into the controversies of the agricultural industry, where corporate power and profitability often outweigh ecological sustainability and public health.

Law's vision in creating Of The Land is clearly to prompt the viewer to question their food sources, educating the masses about the truth behind how our food ends up on our tables. It encourages consumers to consider the wider ecological impact of their food choices, aiming to influence a move towards more sustainable, locally-sourced, organic diets.

Filmed in a variety of locations across North America, the cinematography is poignant, featuring lush farmlands and serene rural settings, while also showing industrial farming practices in startling contrast. The film is often visually stunning, providing an aesthetic appreciation while serving the harsh truth about modern agriculture.

In conclusion, Of The Land is both a call to action and a beacon of hope. It isn’t just a movie about farming; it’s an exploration of our connection with the earth, the choices we make, their impacts, and potential solutions. It serves to increase dialogue and inspire changes in people's attitude towards food consumption, bringing awareness to the ways in which we can all contribute to a more sustainable agricultural future. All the while, it retains its focus on the land - paying homage to the soil beneath our feet, our relationship with the earth and our symbiotic existence.