Film Screening: The Real Dirt on Farmer John (Taggart Siegel, 2006, 82 min.)

The epic tale of a maverick Midwestern farmer. An outcast in his community, Farmer John bravely stands amidst a failing economy, vicious rumors, and violence. By melding the traditions of family farming with the power of art and free expression, this powerful story of transformation and renewal heralds a resurrection of farming in America. The film is a haunting odyssey, capturing what it means to be different in rural America. Director Taggart Siegel (Collective Eye) made the film in a most unusual way – shooting farmer John Peterson over 25-years of their evolving friendship, and using multiple media, from 8 mm home movies shot on the farm in the 50’s and 60’s to modern video -- allowing him to capture his alternately humorous, heartbreaking and spirited life with raw drama and intimacy.