Rhythms of the Land: Highlights the Legacy of #BlackFarmers, Coming 2016

OAKLAND, Calif. - Nov. 6, 2015 - PRLog -- OAKLAND, CA.- November 9, 2015.--Production of Rhythms of the Land, an independent documentary film created by anthropologist, Black farming historian, and filmmaker, Dr. Gail Myers, is underway. Dr. Myers recently launched an Indiegogo campaign to amass funds needed to complete the film. With full funding acquired, the documentary is expected to release in Summer 2016.

         “This was a film 18 years in the making and finally we’re moving closer to completing and sharing the compelling story of the Black farmers in America,” said Dr. Myers.  “No other group of farmers have endured so much, these men and women who coveted the land they've worked for since during Reconstruction. For decades working as tenant farmers, sharecropper, and some full farm owners, Black farm owners have struggled for loan equity,  access to resources, and competing in modern agriculture.”

Rhythms of the Land reveals many of the specifics of these struggles but presents them against a backdrop of farm families who understand perseverance.  Based on 18 years of researching, advocating, documenting, and market development of Black Farmers, she has found these farmer’s narrative severely missing from the narratives of American Agriculture.

During the summer of 2012, Dr. Myers toured 10 southern states interviewing and capturing on video over 30 African American farmers, sharecroppers, and gardeners and one 6th generation coil basket weaver. She has accumulated over 30 hours of footage with the desire to produce an entertaining yet, educational documentary as a part of the American History curriculum.

Each interview represents generations of cultural traditions of Black farmers, family farming and a farming philosophy that honors land, sustainability, and communities. This film will honor these American farmers, sharecroppers, and gardeners in addition to  reconnecting people to their farming roots in a way that has never been shared.

One farmer, Alvin Steppe, was most instrumental in the Pigford vs USDA case being litigated by the Justice Department. Hear more of Mr. Steppe’s story and that of his family members, as well.

Dr. Myers has assembled a post production team of experienced editors, visual artists, writers, camera experts, and distribution experience to help her finish the film and bring it to theaters in 2016. She is also founder of Farms to Grow, an organization dedicated to improving the access to urban food markets including schools, restaurants, and individual consumers for Black and other underserved farmers.

More about the Indiegogo campaign: Contributions can be made by visiting  https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/rhythms-of-the-land-20...

Also find the link to the campaign by visiting www.RhythmsoftheLand.com and clicking Indiegogo.