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Toronto, ON August 28, 2005 —“If we were better people than we are, we'd all be interested in a documentary about the difficulties of farming life over the past three decades — and the central character wouldn't have to be a cross-dressing, movie-making, play-writing, hippie-loving free spirit. Luckily, in this case, he is.” – Joshua Tanzer
Toronto, ON — The Real Dirt on Farmer John will open this year’s Planet in Focus: International Environmental Film and Video Festival on September 28th. Farmer John Peterson and director Taggart Siegel will attend the Canadian premiere. Chronicling the life of John Peterson, farmer, artist and eccentric thinker from rural Illinois, Siegel documents John’s heroic 20 year struggle to redefine his family farm, against a backdrop of economic malaise, arson and slander.
Humorous and deeply moving, this film has been hailed by The Corporation’s Mark Achbar as, “a metaphor for the struggles of an entire generation.” The Real Dirt on Farmer John is sure to inspire even the most urban audiences, and has been recognized with Audience Choice Awards at Slamdance and Chicago International Documentary Festivals, and Grand Jury Awards at San Francisco International Film and Newport Film Festivals.
Former US Vice President Al Gore presented the film with a special award at the 36th Annual Nashville Film Festival as a documentary that best provides extraordinary insight into a contemporary global issue. Gore stated, "I chose Farmer John for its moving account of the importance of organic farming, told with insight and humor through the life of a very unique and committed individual." This is the farming epic of our times.
The Real Dirt on Farmer John premiers on September 28th at the Royal Cinema, 606 College St. at 6:30pm. The Gala evening will be followed with a celebration at Revival, 783 College St. at 9:30pm.
Planet In Focus’ mandate is to produce an annual film and video festival that showcases and promotes outstanding and compelling works in all genres, focusing on environmental themes and subjects by Canadian and International filmmakers.
PLANET IN FOCUS: International Environmental Film & Video Festival
September 28 - October 2, 2005
Tickets: 416.531.4689
Single ($10), student/senior ($8), opening night ($15), festival passes ($75)
Discounted block seats for groups available
For more information, contact:
Shelley Wine, Publicist
416.419.2111
media@planetinfocus.org
www.planetinfocus.org
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