Filmmaker Spotlight: Barbara Sumner-Burstyn

What inspired your subject choice?

We feel it was a gift-hat started as a simple instructional DVD on compost became a film about the agricultural revolution in India.

How do you feel documentaries are important as educational tools?

They are direct windows onto other worlds and are presented in formats most accessible to young people—i.e. digital media rather than in books. And film is able to convey far more complex issues in an enjoyable way.

What was the most interesting and/or favorite part of making this film?

The opportunity to travel in India and see first hand how brave and resilient and hardworking the marginal farmers are and how they are convinced organic farming can save the world. Certainly the organic farmers of India are proof that it is possible.

What do you hope people walk away with after seeing your film?

Hopeful and positive. Our favorite response was from a 14 year old boy in Sydney who, after watching our film, went outside and dug up his parents front lawn and out in a veggie garden.

How can people learn more about the subject?

There are biodynamic organizations across the US who can help.