The Biggest Little Farm

The Biggest Little Farm is a deeply personal and biographical documentary released in 2018. Directed and written by John Chester, with film editing by Amy Overbeck, this compelling piece of storytelling offers much more than just the beauty of nature or rural life; it boldly reflects an ambitious quest, a journey of hope, a real-life dream, and a commitment to restoring the ecosystem.

The narrative primarily revolves around John Chester and his wife, Molly Chester, who himself are the leading roles of the film. Both have had successful careers in Los Angeles – John as a documentary filmmaker and Molly as a private chef and food blogger. However, they take a giant leap, making a dramatic move from city life to farming. The aspiration was stimulated by their promise to their adored rescue dog, Todd, which was to provide him with the best possible life they know-how. Their decision to leave their urban existence and build a traditional, sustainable, and biodiverse farm from bare scratch forms the primary plot.

Starting with 200 acres of barren farmland located an hour north of LA, the Chester couple, not initially possessing any agricultural expertise, sought help from their mentor, Alan York. York, a well-known expert in biodiversity, provided the couple the right directions to reach their goal of creating a farm cohabiting with life in its every form. The couple named their farm "Apricot Lane Farms," where they aimed to cultivate over 200 different types of crops and provide home to a broad range of animals - cows, chickens, ducks, pigs, goats, sheep, and many more.

The Biggest Little Farm revolves around their immense triumphs, occasional failures, and unlimited learning experiences. Covering a span of over seven years of rigorous farming, the film manifests how nature's own ecosystems can provide stunning solutions if we observe and understand the intricacies of natural existence.

As the film moves ahead, audience witness the cheaters learning about the delicate balances of using a nostalgic method of farming – a completely diverse farm that collaborates with the wilds of nature, instead of repelling them. Within passage of time, Apricot Lane Farms begins to flourish and come alive. The Chesters' dream transforms from a desolated land into a bustling farm nurturing complex cohabitant life.

The beauty of "The Biggest Little Farm" is the cinematography by John Chester himself. The intricate details expressing both the joy and grief of their journey, the vibrant scenes capturing various forms of wildlife, the delicate miracles, momentary tragedies, and the ever-endeavouring cycle of life, all are expertly captured. Moreover, it effectively takes the audience on their farming journey, showing the hidden layers of rural life that city dwellers rarely get to witness and learn.

The film serves as a timely and important message symbolizing the significance of sustainable living and biodiversity in the epoch of climate change. It unfolds organically, mirroring real-life experiences rather than being a pedagogic tool. It portrays the idea that working with nature rather than against it can lead to a potentially fruitful outcome, which can help humanity in the longer run.

This is not just a story about farming but also about resilience, optimism, patience, and the profound, measurable lessons that could be learned from nature. The couple's unyielding determination, even in the face of crushing setbacks, fuels their narrative with an impacting level of emotion that most viewers might not anticipate from such a nature-loving documentary.

In summary, "The Biggest Little Farm" is a journey of transformation and abundance. It compels the viewers to love, respect, and appreciate the power, wisdom, and abundance of Mother Nature. It is a film that extends hope and educates audiences on the need to embrace more sustainable and biodiverse farming practices, making it an ode to the man's resilient spirit and a tribute to the complexity and elegance of natural order.