Sowing Seeds for Change 2025 – From Farms to Films to Our Shared Struggle for the Future

Name: Sowing Seeds for Change 2025 – From Farms to Films to Our Shared Struggle for the Future
Start: 2025-03-30T13:00:00-06:00
End: 2025-03-30T21:00:00-06:00
Location: Ukrainian Centre

Schedule

Sun Mar 30 2025 at 01:00 pm to 09:00 pm

UTC-06:00

Location

Ukrainian Centre | Edmonton, AB

Embark with us on a cinematic journey on Sunday, March 30th, 2025 as our Film Festival unfolds, immersing attendees in a rich tapestry of films and discussions centred around agriculture, seed and Indigenous land sovereignty. Tickets also include a pay-what-you-can option to ensure inclusive access! The day will commence at 1 pm with registration and reception, inviting attendees to check in, engage with vendors and showcases in the lower pavilion of the hall.
At 2 pm, we launch with an introduction and welcome speech follow, setting the tone for the film festival, with an overview that illuminates the day's mission and its significance. Each block features thought-provoking short films and knowledgeable speakers in order to enrich the participants’ viewing experience. With time for open in-depth discussions that will amplify understanding and we encourage audience participation with a Q&A. Between each film block that’s will be a 15 minute break to provide more opportunities to explore vendors and energize the attendees.
At 2:45 pm we begin our first film and discussion block, "Seed Sovereignty." The short films will explore critical themes such as challenges to seed security, revival of Indigenous seed varieties, and facing seed monopolies in the market.
Our second block of films begins at 4:00 pm, “Indigenous Stewardship and Land Relations”, will take us to 4C Farms - Cowessess First Nation in RM of Grayson, Saskatchewan and Backwoods Buffalo here in Woodlands County, Alberta. Through these short films and discussion we will explore Indigenous land relations, from the revival of pre-colonial practices to recreating an agricultural base for Indigenous self-sufficiency and self-determination.
Our third and last block of films begins at 5:15 pm, “Monopolies, Markets, and Regenerating Our Lands”introduces us to Penny Lane in Swift Current, Saskatchewan and Davey Creek Ranch here in Innisfail, Alberta. These films will explore small-scale and family farm operations in our current monopolized world, from succession stories to labour challenges, climate change to carbon capture, soil degradation to regenerative grazing, and labor-output challenges.
Ending the night off with Dinner at 6:15 pm and a final chance to explore vendor. This moment of camaraderie enhances the festival experience, fostering connections among participants.
The festival crescendos to its Closing Ceremony at 8:05 pm, expressing gratitude to sponsors and partners.
With a meticulously curated program and engaging discussions this upcoming Film Festival promises to be a transformative experience, uniting diverse voices in the shared exploration of indigenous sovereignty and agriculture's challenges and possibilities.