Films on Canadian Farm Labour

A couple of more films for your consideration...

El Contrato: This documentary from Min Sook Lee (Tiger Spirit) follows a poverty-stricken father from Central Mexico, along with several of his countrymen, as they make their annual migration to southern Ontario to pick tomatoes. For 8 months a year, the town's population absorbs 4,000 migrant workers who toil under conditions, and for wages, that no local would accept. Yet despite a fear of repercussions, the workers voice their desire for dignity and respect.

Okanagan Dreams: This short documentary follows the migration of thousands of young Quebecers as they travel to British Columbia to harvest fruit in the lush Okanagan Valley. The camera follows several spirited youth into the orchards for seven weeks. As the rain sets in, reality unfolds: it's cold, the cherry crop is late, and money is short. But as they make friends and enjoy their independence, the promise of adventure is realized. Although their work is integral to the local economy, the youth find that the experience is not just about making money. It's about awareness, self-discovery and exploring the world.

Sláinte!

Laurel

The Farmer and the Horse

I found out about this over at the Cold Antler Farm blog, where Jenna had posted a trailer to the movie The Farmer and the Horse.

A story about a landless farmer, a non-conformist,
and an escaped office worker...

From award-winning journalist Jared Flesher
comes The Farmer and the Horse, a film that
digs into difficult questions about sustainability,
self-sufficiency, and why we do the work we do.
Flesher’s film goes beyond the usual platitudes
of smiling organic farmers talking about the
good life. Farming is hard work—especially if
you don’t use a tractor.

The Farmer and the Horse is a film every young
farmer should see. So should everyone who cares
about land use, the environment, and good food.

Sláinte!

Laurel

Luverly of the Week: March 2011 "Super Moon" by Sigurd R

Photo by Sigurd R

A Crack in the Pavement

I found these cute short docs over at the National Film Board {of Canada} webby and thought that some of our readers might enjoy them as well. :)

A Crack in the Pavement is a two-part video set that shows children, teachers and parents how they can work together to 'green' their school grounds and make positive changes in their communities.

A Crack in the Pavement: Growing Dreams This short documentary shows initiatives kids take to transform bare pavement into dream schoolyards. Some grow trees for shade, and vegetables for a food bank. Others build a greenhouse or a rooftop garden, while others yet construct a courtyard pond as an outdoor classroom and refuge for wildlife.

A Crack in the Pavement: Digging In This short documentary follows students from Toronto's Jesse Ketchum School as they take steps towards the greening of their schoolyard. Along the way they get how-to advice and inspiration from kids across the country; from Pauline Public School, where students raised $10,000, to Broadacres School, where a family of wild ducks found a home in their pond.

Sláinte!

Laurel

spring-time faeries

Here are some Faeries for you to use in your Spring-inspired art & crafts projects. I hope you all enjoy the first day of Spring and if you have the time, check out the Celtic Myth Podshow's Spring episode! :D

Sláinte!

Laurel