Brooklyn Farmer 2014
Distributed by Outcast Films, 511 6th Avenue Suite 398, New York, NY 10011; 646-512-2596
Produced by Burke Cherrie and Ben Nabors
Directed by Michael Tyburski
DVD, color, 27 min.
High School - General Adult
Business, Agriculture, Ethics, Sociology, Ecology
Date Entered: 05/27/2015
Reviewed by Andrew Koval, MSLSBrooklyn Farmer covers organic urban rooftop farming as a business. Audiences are convincingly offered a perspective on the cost of farm labor’s exposure to pesticides versus the increased cost of organic vegetables. One urban rooftop farmer cites that “small scale organic farming is un-controversially good.” Further, the director gives reasons as to the benefit of urban farming in plain language citing aesthetics, supply chain reduction and human health. Moreover, the original score by Matt Abeysekera enhances the production value. Viewers are given informative and legible text throughout segments that further serve to educate.
Farmers in a more traditional vegetable production capacity should have been featured so as to provide a diversity of opinion concerning the market. A similar film is Edible City (2014) by Hasse. This film is most appropriate for school and college libraries with the intent to expose students to innovation that acts locally and thinks globally.
Awards
- Audience Award Best Short Documentary, Ashland Independent Film Fest
- Jury Award Best Documentary, Martin Short Film Fest
- Best Short Documentary, Destiny City Film Festival