Truck Farm

Truck Farm is an ingenious and innovative 2011 documentary that explores the beauty and potential of urban agriculture as well as providing a gateway for discussion on health and environmental sustainability.

This unique movie is directed by award-winning food/farming documentary filmmaker Ian Cheney, known for 'King Corn' and 'The Greenhorns.' Cheney uses his keen eye, sharp storytelling skills, and passion for environmental issues to tell the story of a new generation of Americans turning towards innovative farming techniques.

In this quirky and enlightening film, Cheney takes the audience on a journey through an experiment he conducts in his old grey Dodge pickup truck. He turns this vehicle into a mobile farm – literally a truck farm. He starts by drilling holes in the bed of the truck and filling it with soil. He then plants a variety of herbs, vegetables, and other greenery. The "farm" on wheels becomes an attention-grabbing traveling demonstration of the possibilities and potential for urban agriculture.

"Truck Farm," successfully maintains a light and amusing tone while subtly educating the audience on the beautiful complexities of urban farming. Featuring an entire year of planting, growing, and harvesting, Cheney's experiment reveals the challenges and rewards of small scale farming.

One of the rewarding aspects of the movie is its explanation and exploration of the concept of 'CSA' or Community Supported Agriculture. Cheney gets 'subscribers' to his mobile farm who receive a portion of what he harvests. More than just a business model or method of farming, Cheney describes the CSA as a philosophy. It helps communities understand where their food comes from, and the importance of local produce.

Adding an extra layer of attraction to "Truck Farm," is an original musical score, composed by the Fishermen Three and starring a creative cast including Chandler Kauffman, artist-entrepreneur Ben Cohen (of Ben & Jerry's), nutrition expert Marion Nestle, explorer Henry Hudson, and the famously-dotted Yayoi Kusama.

This film is more than just a documentary on urban farming. It is a lens through which to view modern society's increasingly strained relationship with the natural world, specifically in the realm of food production. It's about how we can reconnect with nature in our increasingly urbanized world, and how even the smallest spaces can become productive and enriching landscapes.

With its engaging narrative, "Truck Farm" serves as a beacon to a younger generation, showing how they can actively participate in solving the urban food crisis and demonstrating how even the smallest, most unlikely spaces can serve as a platform for change. Through Cheney's journey, we see an adventure blooming in the back of a beat-up pickup truck, a vision that is oddly inspiring, hopeful, and speaks volumes on the possibility of incorporating farming into urban life.

This film is not all about modern problems and solutions. It provides a pleasant trip down memory lane by showcasing America's farming history, the importance that agriculture has played in building and sustaining us. In a charming way, the story tells of our innate connection to the land and the soil.

“Truck Farm” transcends the typical 'food film' genre. It's a creatively crafted piece of cinema that combines the charm of a children's book and the real-world knowledge of a college lecture. The curiosity, wonder, and excitement that Cheney brings to his project will surely encourage viewers to consider the magic that can be found in a seed, the power contained in soil, and the promise held by every patch of sunlight.

In essence, “Truck Farm” is a film that contributes to the discourse about sustainable farming, food justice, and reconnecting with nature. It cleverly combines humor, aesthetics, educational value, and a serious message about food production. The result is a powerful documentary highlighting a new green revolution, one that’s blooming in the most surprising places. It shows how determination, creativity, and a love for nature can turn any corner of an urban jungle into a vibrant, live giving farm. This is a must-see film for anyone interested in environmental sustainability, health, or urban agriculture.