Kansas Rural Center Presents
Charlotte is joined by Common Ground Director/Producer duo Rebecca and Josh Tickell from their farm "Big Picture Ranch." They discuss Josh and Rebecca's interest in farming, previous films, and the importance of the messaging in their film to farmers and all consumers of food.
Episode Timeline:
4:30 Is this follow-up to Kiss the Ground?
06:00 What set Josh and Rebecca on the path to create Common Ground?
09:00 Kansas State is a Sponsor of the Common Ground Film Showings
11:00 How will we get this film in front of farmers?
14:40 What is the first step towards transition?
21:00 Is there a correlation between mental well-being and regenerative practices?
About Josh and Rebecca Tickell
The author of four books, Josh Tickell has worked on environmental issues for more than 20 years. His career spans a unique mixture of science, journalism and filmmaking. His directorial debut film, Fuel, is the 2008 Sundance Audience Award-winning documentary that investigates the possible replacement of fossil fuels with renewable energy. His 2017 Simon & Schuster book, Kiss the Ground, How the Food You Eat Can Reverse Climate Change, Heal Your Body and Ultimately Save Our World, was an Amazon Bestseller in multiple categories. Tickell holds an MFA in film from Florida State University’s Film School. He is a regular guest on talk shows and gives keynote presentations internationally on sustainability, regeneration and filmmaking.
Rebecca Tickell is a director, producer and environmental author and activist. She produced the Sundance Audience Award-winning, environmentally themed movie, Fuel, and co-directed/produced The Big Fix, an Official Selection of the 2011 Cannes Film Festival. She spent several years documenting the impacts and root cause of the BP oil spill. While investigating the spill she became ill and was left with permanent damage from exposure to the oil and dispersant in the atmosphere. Her directorial debut (with husband Josh) was the critically acclaimed documentary Pump, narrated by Jason Bateman. She directed and produced the John Paul DeJoria story, Good Fortune, the YouTube sensation, The Earthing Movie as well as the forthcoming documentary The Revolution Generation and the forthcoming feature scripted film, Heartland. As a child, she starred in the Orion (now MGM)’s Christmas classic movie, Prancer, filmed on location in
A Note from Charlotte:
I was lucky enough to sample a prescreen of the Common Ground film. I feel strongly that this film encompasses the mission and ambitions of Kansas Rural Center. I encourage you not only to see the film but also to take time to suggest it to friends and to have intentional conversations based on the range of subject matter. This film tackles serious issues plaguing our farmers, and the food systems that they work to sustain, in a way that does not vilify but uplifts the farmer. The Common Ground film suggests business and management changes that can work for the bottom line and the overall health of farm families and greater communities.
As someone raised in a rural, agricultural family, I have witnessed the stressful impacts of debt, illness, ecological battles, and the heavy hopelessness of being caught in a system that doesn't reciprocate the inputs given. This film tackles these challenging topics and provides direction. Our collective support may prove to give these ideas action.
My hope is that the star-studded cast of the film attracts interest from those who may have previously been out of tune with the state of our soils and food systems. If you find that this becomes true in your community, please be prepared to engage and encourage meaningful conversations. Ian Somerhalder, Rosario Dawson, Jason Mamoa, Woody Harrelson, Donald Glover, and Laura Dern narrate this film, tying together the many complicated facets of our food system. The true stars, the farmers and researchers include Elyse Towey(Ioway Tribe of Kansas and Nebraska), Ray Archuleta, Gabe Brown, Leah Penniman, Rick Clark, Mark Hyman, Carey Gillam and many more. Together, they share a story of adversity, success, and a brighter future that will empower those seeking proactive action in today's environment.
Lastly, if you envision a future of thriving family farms, revitalized communities, a clean environment, healthy local and regional food systems, and viable livelihoods for farmers, including opportunities for the next generation who will grow our food... Please contact us at KRC; we are here to provide guidance, training, and resources to create food systems that are economically viable, ecologically sound, and socially just.