Farms: THE REAL DIRT ON FARMER JOHN

The epic tale of a maverick Midwestern farmer. An outcast in his community, Farmer John bravely stands amidst a failing economy, vicious rumors, and violence. By melding the traditions of family farming with the power of art and free expression, this powerful story of transformation and renewal heralds a resurrection of farming in America. . "Unbelievably special...a real and gripping story told with insight and humor." - Al Gore, former Vice-President "A charming, wonderful and important movie." -Alice Waters, Chef and Advocate "Farmer John is a compelling and complex character whose story will open your heart, break it, and then fill it with a redemptive vision." - Nina Utne, Utne "The film evolves into a deeply moving metaphor for the struggles of an entire generation. His triumphant story is essential for all us city folk who have found ourselves despairing for the earth and what has seemed like our inevitable alienation from it." - Mark Achbar, director, The Corporation Director Taggart Siegel made the film in a most unusual way -- shooting farmer John Peterson over 25-years of their evolving friendship, and using multiple media, from 8 mm home movies shot on the farm in the 50's and 60's to modern video — allowing him to capture his alternately humorous, heartbreaking and spirited life with raw drama and intimacy. With the death of his father during the late 60s, a teenaged John takes over the traditional family farm, slowly turning it into an experiment of art and agriculture, making it a haven for hippies, radicals and artists. The Real Dirt on Farmer Johncharts the end of this idealistic era as the farm debt crisis of the 80's brings about the tragic collapse of the farm.