Kiss the Ground is documentary that follows a group of activists, scientists, farmers, and politicians as they band together in a global movement of regenerative agriculture. The film makes the case that by regenerating the Earth’s soils, the climate could be balanced, water supplies can be replenished, species can be saved from extinction, and the world could be fed.
The film features various voices in the industry. Some of the opinions featured come from Conservation Agronomist Ray Archuleta, Co-Founder of the Marin Carbon Project John Wick, Author of bestselling novel The Soil Will Save Us Kristin Ohlson, and Chief Scientist at Rodale Institute Kristine Nichols. The film is narrated by Environmental Activist and Actor Woody Harrelson.
“We realized that [regenerative agriculture] was the biggest single thing that people could do to reverse climate change, and people didn't even know what it was, including ourselves at the time when we started,” said Co-Director Rebecca Tickell. “So for us, that seemed like a huge breakthrough, but I think people are more interested in this now because there is a feeling of paralysis and fear around climate issues. We have a whole young generation of people who don’t want to go to school because they want adults to wake up around this issue. And then on the other hand, here we have this very simple solution and an information gap.”
Kiss the Ground explains that the widespread use of pesticides has decimated microbes in soil around the world, killed the microbes in humans, caused soil degradation, and hurt the planet in numerous other ways. The film argues that regenerative agriculture is the solution and presents it quite simply: Transforming dirt to soil through a regenerative ethic will be the key.
The film also suggests things individuals can do to contribute. Eating a more plant-based diet, composting, and applying the principles stated in the film to personal gardens will all have an impact.
The film “Kiss the Ground” is currently streaming on Netflix and available to rent on Vimeo.