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Common Ground

Play trailer Poster for Common Ground PG Released Sep 29, 2023 1h 45m Documentary Nature Play Trailer Watchlist
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81% Tomatometer 16 Reviews 100% Popcornmeter 50+ Ratings
Common Ground is the highly anticipated sequel to the juggernaut success documentary, Kiss the Ground, which touched over 1 billion people globally and inspired the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to put $20 billion toward soil health. By fusing journalistic exposé with deeply personal stories from those on the front lines of the food movement, Common Ground unveils a dark web of money, power, and politics behind our broken food system. The film reveals how unjust practices forged our current farm system in which farmers of all colors are literally dying to feed us. The film profiles a hopeful and uplifting movement of white, black, and indigenous farmers who are using alternative "regenerative" models of agriculture that could balance the climate, save our health, and stabilize America's economy -- before it's too late.

Critics Reviews

View All (16) Critics Reviews
Tomris Laffly Variety Joshua and Rebecca Harrell Tickell challenge the country’s unethical farming practices through experts and celebrity advocates in a naive film that nonetheless inspires change. May 20, 2024 Full Review Donald Liebenson Chicago Reader This film might make you just as much a true believer. Yes, Virginia, there is regenerative agriculture. Nov 17, 2023 Full Review Marya E. Gates RogerEbert.com The film equivalent of an Instagram infographic stamped with an uplifting yet hollow platitude. Rated: 1.5/4 Nov 10, 2023 Full Review Valerie Kalfrin AWFJ.org a sobering yet inspiring rallying cry for revamping the world’s farming system. ... [The narrators give] COMMON GROUND a down-to-earth touch in urging viewers to leave the world on better footing, and the filmmakers add a postscript on how to do that. Dec 11, 2023 Full Review Alan Ng Film Threat That rare documentary that actually proposes solutions…practical solutions. I fear that the solutions will disappear into the void if we don’t say anything. Rated: 9/10 Dec 5, 2023 Full Review Robert W. Butler Butler's Cinema Scene Common Ground makes an encyclopedic case for regenerative agriculture. If that sounds like an earnest science lecture…well, it is, sort of. But the filmmakers (Joshua Tickell and Rebecca Harrell Tickell) knock themselves out working to keep our attention. Rated: B Dec 1, 2023 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

View All (34) audience reviews
Jonathan B Packed with great information and storytelling! Stunning visuals, amazing narration, clear explanations. This movie is sobering, practical, hopeful and inspiring, all at the same time. Ill be watching it again! Rated 5 out of 5 stars 12/08/23 Full Review Heather Finally, a movie that doesnt just tell us everything weve done to destroy our planet with ominous warnings of doom if we dont do something to change but a thoughtful, easy to understand, well laid out and clear SOLUTION. This film should be played in every high school in the country. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 10/11/23 Full Review Jacob K Common Ground opens with a sobering reflection on the future our planet faces if we continue down the path of environmental destruction. What makes this documentary stand out, however, is its ability to shift from a stark reality to a message of hope and action. Directed by Josh and Rebecca Tickell, the film takes us into the transformative world of regenerative farming, showing how simple, purposeful changes in soil management can yield enormous benefits, not just for the environment, but for farmers, communities, and future generations. At the core of the film is Gabe Brown, a trailblazer in the regenerative movement. His story is a powerful reminder that healing the soil leads to stronger, more resilient crops, without harmful chemicals or destructive practices. Brown’s methods highlight a symbiotic relationship between land and livelihood, proving that regenerative farming is both an environmental solution and a practical, profitable model for farmers. What truly elevates Common Ground is its exploration of the deep interconnectedness of all life. This isn't just a film about farming, it's about how every decision we make impacts the larger ecosystem we are all a part of. The film beautifully underscores that healing the soil, the foundation of life, is akin to healing ourselves. It compels viewers to reflect on how their everyday actions contribute to a larger, collective effort to restore balance to our world. For those seeking actionable solutions in the fight against climate change, Common Ground offers an inspiring, eye-opening perspective. It doesn't just leave you with a sense of urgency; it leaves you with the belief that change is possible and within reach. Long after the film ends, you’ll be thinking about the power of connection and how we can heal the planet, one mindful decision at a time. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 10/16/24 Full Review Serene F I've never really thought about how much the soil on Earth affects my everyday life. Moreover, it has an effect on how the planet as we know it will develop in the future. After viewing the enlightening film Common Ground, I realized how critical it is to fully comprehend and understand. This documentary provides a thorough overview of the various life-altering problems that arise from disturbed and contaminated soil. The remarkable advantages of regenerated agriculture are illustrated in a very informative yet emotional way. The life changing stories told by several individuals truly spoke to the importance of evolving our current practices and moving toward more environmentally friendly practices. By attaining a better understanding, I was also able to learn how I can positively contribute to the matter. Having said that, Common Ground is unquestionably worth seeing. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 10/07/24 Full Review Kailyn G Although I’m not usually a fan of documentaries, Common Ground moved me deeply with its vision for the future of our planet. Directors Josh and Rebecca Tickell excel in using cinematography to bring the film's message to life. The cinematography does more than simply document; it illuminates the film's core themes. With its striking and immersive visuals, the film captures the true beauty of the natural world. Through close-ups, point-of-view shots, and dynamic aerial tracking, Common Ground transforms elements like grass, soil, birds, and animals into powerful symbols of a thriving planet. Additionally, it contrasts the vibrant colors of regenerative agriculture with the starkness of conventional farming, highlighting the critical need for healthy soil and the transformative potential of regenerative practices. This documentary brought me tears, but also hope knowing that there is a simple solution to fixing our earth. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 10/02/24 Full Review Anna G As someone part of the generation of the future, I have constantly wondered what I can do to help in saving our planet from climate change. After watching the documentary Common Ground, I now better understand the role that myself and others like me can play in reviving Mother Nature. This incredible documentary discusses regenerative farming and how putting carbon back into the soil is a simple solution to the ongoing threat of climate change. The directors, Josh and Rebecca Tickell, are important activists in spreading the word on the revival of regenerative farming in agriculture. With its powerful message on the politics regarding American agriculture, and its stunning visuals, I now want to continue to spread Josh and Rebecca’s message and encourage others to know how to improve our climate. I highly recommend going to see Common Ground in theaters! Rated 5 out of 5 stars 09/30/24 Full Review Read all reviews
Common Ground

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Cast & Crew

David Attenborough: A Life on Our Planet 96% 96% David Attenborough: A Life on Our Planet Watchlist Pump 75% 82% Pump Watchlist Kiss the Ground 88% 99% Kiss the Ground Watchlist The Territory 97% 82% The Territory Watchlist Fire of Love 98% 84% Fire of Love Watchlist TRAILER for Fire of Love Discover more movies and TV shows. View More

Movie Info

Synopsis Common Ground is the highly anticipated sequel to the juggernaut success documentary, Kiss the Ground, which touched over 1 billion people globally and inspired the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to put $20 billion toward soil health. By fusing journalistic exposé with deeply personal stories from those on the front lines of the food movement, Common Ground unveils a dark web of money, power, and politics behind our broken food system. The film reveals how unjust practices forged our current farm system in which farmers of all colors are literally dying to feed us. The film profiles a hopeful and uplifting movement of white, black, and indigenous farmers who are using alternative "regenerative" models of agriculture that could balance the climate, save our health, and stabilize America's economy -- before it's too late.
Director
Joshua Tickell, Rebecca Harrell Tickell
Producer
Joshua Tickell, Rebecca Harrell Tickell, Eric Dillon
Screenwriter
Joshua Tickell, Rebecca Harrell Tickell, Johnny O'Hara
Distributor
Big Picture Ranch/Area 23a
Production Co
Big Picture Ranch, Benenson Productions
Rating
PG (Suicide Awareness|Injury Images|Some Language|Smoking|Thematic Material)
Genre
Documentary, Nature
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Sep 29, 2023, Limited
Runtime
1h 45m