FILMING IN PROGRESS
In a world plagued by ecological and economic collapse, one man's dream of owning land and providing for his family seems futile amidst the ruin of his surroundings. But when he stumbles upon a mysterious key... An ancient paradigm, everything changes. Enter the enigmatic realm of Black Earth, a feature-length documentary, where one man's quest holds the potential for the survival of us all.
I
Facing a collapsing eco-system and poverty- a distressed young man searches for reconciliation with both his father and the land. After hearing whispers of something called Permaculture, he sets out on a journey of discovery in hopes of building something of his own.
But…
II
When encountering unexpected resistance on both sides by corrupt environmental activism and greedy agriculture interests, he must decide if this mythical concept will actually heal the land and his heart.
Black Earth chronicles the determination of one man’s hope for a better future, and the emergence of an archetype that could reclaim the earth from ecological collapse.
III
Showcasing the incredible stories of regenerative farmers and ranchers all over the world, Black Earth questions the very foundations of the broken modern system and looks for hope among its ruins.
FEATURED CAST
The Philosopher
Allan Savory
Founder and Originator of Holistic Management.
Allan Savory turned the world upside down with his systems thinking approach to resource management. Mimicking nature through understanding natural cycles of grazing animals and grasslands, he has revolutionized ranching and farming.
The Family
The Jackson’s
Years serving in the Special Forces, founders of Grass Grazed
Derick & Paige set out to start their own business and farm, growing healthy food and doing it together as a family.
The Environmentalist
Dan Dagget
Author and Environmentalist, Dan Dagget was once one of the founding members of the extreme environmentalist group-Earth First. Initially an opponent to ranching and agriculture, he would eventually encounter Holistic Management and discover a way that both heals the land, and sustains mankind.
The Bison Ranchers
777 Bison Ranch
Spanning 28,000 acres across the Dakota hills, the 777 Bison Ranch conjures visions of the past, and what America looked like long ago. But it isn’t an illusion- Using Holistic Management, The 777 Bison Ranch operates a rich and healthy ecosystem, utilizing the Bison as a respected part of that living system.
The Pioneer
Joel Salatin
Farmer and Author, Joel Salatin is one of the most recognized names in regenerative agriculture. A way with both nature and words, Joel has inspired untold numbers of people through the raw example of his farm and his wisdom.
The Professor
David Montgomery
With a Ph.D. in Geomorphology, and a professor at the University of Washington, David Montgomery has written numerous works on Soil, Civilizations, and the effects agriculture has had on shaping our world.
It all started with this guy…
Director and writer, Nathan Phelps, has always sought to unravel the deeper meaning of life. Growing up on a ranch in Colorado, his time in the fields fostered a love for land and sustainability.
After receiving a B.S. in Biblical Studies, he would go on to achieve an A.A. in Digital Media and a B.A. in Film. His love of nature would lead him to obtain his PDC(Permaculture Design Certification) under Geoff Lawton.
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Nathan has served in a variety of film making industries, from multimedia teacher to Samaritan’s Purse Film Director. Along the way, he has managed domestic and international film crews to create commercials, news reports, and short documentaries– capturing human stories of suffering and hope, war and loss all over the world.
With the support of his family, and over 20 years of experience in the film industry, he now looks forward to completing his first feature film, Black Earth.
PRODUCTION TIMELINE
Phase 1
Zimbabwe
Filming Complete
Phase 1
South Dakota
Filming Complete
Phase 1
Virginia
Filming Complete
Phase 1
North Carolina
Filming Complete
Phase 2
Asia
Seeking Investors
Phase 1
Seattle Wa.
Filming Complete
Phase 2
Spain
Seeking Investors
Phase 2
Australia
Seeking Investors
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