The negative impacts of industrial agriculture are everywhere. The increasing threat of genetically engineered food and the destruction of
local communities can make us feel powerless to effect change. Gaining Ground is an intimate view of rural and urban farmers who are embracing this challenge.

On Saturday, June 1, 2013 at 7 p.m., the Media Project presents a screening of a rough cut of the upcoming documentary film Gaining Ground. A benefit to raise finishing funds for the film, the event takes place at the Fifth Avenue Cinema, 510 SW Hall St in downtown Portland.

Gaining Ground tells the stories of farmers who are transforming their farming practices so they can feed their local communities sustainably grown produce and grains. From farms in Oregon’s fertile Willamette Valley to the food desert of inner city Richmond, California, Gaining Ground reveals the ingenuity and courage of these diverse urban and rural farmers who are committed to serving and empowering their communities.

About the Filmmakers

Elaine Velazquez and Barbara Bernstein have been creating film and radio documentaries for over thirty-five years. Their award winning work has been broadcast on public television and radio, screened at international film festivals and distributed through broad grassroots networks. Barbara also hosts the environmental show Locus Focus on KBOO-FM. 

Gaining Ground is partially funded by the Regional Arts & Culture Council.

More about Gaining Ground: http://mediaprojectonline.org/gainingground.html

Following the screening there will be a discussion with farmers featured in the film: Vicki Hertel, Sun Gold Farm in Verboort, OR; and Willow Coberly and Harry Stalford, Stalford Seed Farms in Tangent, OR. 

This screening is co-sponsored by KBOO-FM, West Multnomah Soil & Water Conservation District, Food and Water Watch and the City of Portland Bureau of Planning & Sustainability.

For more information: