A compelling and solution-driven plea to care for the very thing that feeds us, balances the climate, and sustains life on earth: soil. An eye-opening critique of the harmful methods of American agriculture, Common Ground exposes the agendas of agricultural giants, corporations, and lobbyists, while unveiling the immensely powerful potential of regenerative farming – and how saving the soil can help change the course of the climate crisis we face.
Interweaving intimate stories of inspiring regenerative farms today, together with the sustainable practices of Indigenous peoples, this film chronicles the devastating effects of industrial farming of the 1930’s Dust Bowl, the post WWII boom of machinery and fertilizer technology, and the cancerous herbicides and pesticides of Monsanto that emphasize monocultures of corn and soy crops in the present day. Filmmakers Josh and Rebecca Tickell reveal how soil regeneration is not about merely restoring the past: it is about our futures. They present a hopeful, inspiring film about climate change solutions and how saving the soil can help save us, and our planet, along with it.
Please note there will be 2 versions of this film. For online streaming — the 43 min Education Cut. For in cinema screenings — the 105 min version.
Supported by
Laura Dern, Jason Momoa, Woody Harrelson, Ian Somerhalder, Donald Glover, Ray Archuleta
USA
2023
English
Coarse language
Education Resources
Primary Curriculum Interests:
- Social Studies 9
- Social Studies 10
- Explorations in Social Studies 11
- Environmental Science 12
- Human Geography 12
- Political Studies 12
Other Curriculum Interests:
- 20th Century World History
- Media Arts 10
- Directing and Script Development 11
- Film + Television 11 + 12
- New Media 11 + 12
Credits & Director
Executive Producer
Bill Benenson, Laurie Benenson, Jan Ellison Baszucki, John Paul DeJoria, Pamela B. Green
Producer
Rebecca Tickell, Josh Tickell, Eric Dillon
Screenwriter
Josh Tickell, Rebecca Tickell, Johnny O’Hara
Cinematography
Joaquim Pujol, Simon Balderas
Editor
Ryan A. Nichols, Anthony Ellison
Original Music
Jim Fairchild, Jacob Snider
Josh & Rebecca Tickell
Josh and Rebecca Tickell are multi-award-winning filmmakers who specialize in aiding the global climate crisis. The two co-own Big Picture Ranch, a farm which doubles as an eco-friendly film studio. Their first collaborative film Fuel (2008) won the audience award for Best Documentary, and was shortlisted for an Oscar. Their newest film, Common Ground (2023) was the winner of the Human/Nature award amidst its premiere at Tribeca Film Festival. The pair has inspired over $20 billion dollars to be invested into renewable energy and regenerative agriculture globally.
Filmography: Fuel (2008); The Big Fix (2012); Kiss the Ground (2020); The Revolution Generation (2021)
In-Cinema & Online
Date |
Time |
Venue |
| November 27 | 9:30 am | VIFF Centre, Vancity Theatre |
| November 27 | 12:30 pm | VIFF Centre, Vancity Theatre |
| November 20-December 4 | N/A | VIFF Connect (Online)* |
* This version of the film is the 43-min Education Cut
How to Book
Free for schools, capacity for all films is limited. To book, submit your request with the online form below. Our Ignite team will respond to confirm availability and complete your booking.
Questions? Contact our Ignite team at [email protected]