Save the Farm

Save the Farm is an immersive, moving, and inspirational documentary released in 2011. Directed by Michael Kuehnert, the movie narrates the story of a 14-acre community farm – believed to be the largest urban farm in the United States – in the heart of South Central Los Angeles. The farm was located on the site of a vacant industrial complex and cultivated by the area's low-income Latino residents to not only provide food for their families but also build a vibrant community. For over 14 years, these farmers worked the land, producing a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, and medicinal plants unique to their ancestral homelands.

The movie features real-life community members including Tezozomoc, Rosa Romero, and Alberto Tlatoa. Tezozomoc, acting as the spokesperson for the South Central Farmers, articulates the spirit of South Central Farm and the rights of the urban poor to cultivate their own food. Rosa Romero, a farm volunteer, symbolizes the everyday people passionately involved in farming and community development. Alberto Tlatoa, another youthful voice, represents the generation that finds its roots and future in this unique model of urban farming.

Save the Farm introduces the audience to the history of the farm, the community, and the struggle these farmers face when the land is sold to a private developer. Integrating personal accounts and drawing emotional portraits of the farmers, the film deeply explores the universal theme of land rights, community cohesion, and resilience in the face of difficulties.

The farm, initially created after the L.A Riots in 1992 as part of a healing initiative, later faced foreclosure and was sold to a real estate developer. The farmers were served eviction notices, which compelled them to fight for the survival of their farm, their source of sustenance, and, symbolically, their cultural survival. Between politics, land rights issues, and the inevitable relentless march towards urban development, these farmers found themselves in an uphill battle to save their farm.

The director treats the subject matter with utmost respect and empathy, letting the subjects of the film – the farmers – speak for themselves. They articulate their connection to the earth, love for their community, and the perceived injustice of having their hard-earned agricultural land taken away. The struggle between the powerful players and these modest farmers symbolizes the universal clash between corporate interests and common people.

Weaved into the narrative are stories of the farm's relationship with the local community. The farm provided fresh organic produce to families who couldn't otherwise afford it in the food desert of South Central L.A. By cultivating and nurturing the land, the community was empowered, self-sufficient, and engaged in a sustainable way.

Moreover, the film also delves into the cultural significance of the farm for these Latino farmers. The farm equipped them with the ability to grow unique crops from their homelands, nurturing an essential cultural link. Besides offering a story of struggle and resilience, the film shines a light on the microcosm of cultural preservation, showing how a piece of farmland can significantly contribute to cultural continuity in an urban setting.

Finally, the film dives deep into the dimension of the food politics and how urban agriculture can promote food security and health, especially in impoverished neighbourhoods. The residents of South Central L.A had created a model of urban farming that provided both food security and community empowerment, forging a path others could follow.

Riveting, heartfelt, and poignant, Save the Farm doesn’t just tell a story; it prompts the viewers to think about crucial issues - urbanization, land rights, the right to food, and the strength of community, through a story packed with determination and self-reliance. This real-life drama serves as a testament to passionate spirits that till the land, not just to provide food, but to kindle a sense of community, heritage, and resilience. The film is a tribute to their courage, tenacity, and dedication, carrying a universal message that echoes beyond the boundaries of South Central L.A. Save the Farm succeeds in moving the audience – not just to observe, but to question, and possibly act.