Farming the Revolution takes us to the heart of the massive year-long protests against the Indian government’s then newly enacted farm laws during the COVID lockdown. Over half a million protesters gathered – men and women from all generations, religions, classes and castes – and reinvented co-existence at massive protest sites that burgeoned on the borders of Delhi. The film invites us to experience the everyday textures and indomitable spirit of this historic farmers’ movement – until, finally.

In 2020, as the unprecedented disaster of COVID-19 swept across the world, India's farmers faced a new crisis. An agriculture law was announced, poised to exacerbate exploitation and deepen inequality. Farming the Revolution takes us inside the protests of hundreds of thousands of farmers and their spontaneous allies across India, who gathered to oppose this legislation designed to serve the interests of the ruling class. Co-directed by the unflinching and insightful Nishtha Jain, along with Akash Basumatari, an emerging force in Indian documentary filmmaking, the film is a powerful testament to the wisdom and courage of grassroots movements. While young, passionate activists and notable figures make appearances at key moments, the film primarily focuses on the collective imagery and conversations of the people on the road, captured over more than a year. These moments of extraordinary dedication, solidarity, and raw anger exemplify true democracy in action. In the end, the struggle culminates in a triumphant victory, capturing the voices silenced and erased by both the government and the media. Jain and Basumatari's thoughtful direction not only conveys the emotion of this historic moment but also serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made. The film's message extends beyond India, resonating with all who live in times of conflict, inequality, and individualism. It reinforces the 16th DMZ International Documentary Film Festival's slogan, "Act Out for Friendship and Solidarity," with even greater power.

Surrounded by police barricades, the farmers create a zone of possibilities, and freedom within which the normal laws of the police state don’t apply. A zone of camaraderie within an authoritarian state. The farmers tend to the sick, feed each other, and continuously upgrade their shelters to adapt to the elements. They transform their farm implements into sleeping platforms, libraries, schools, and stages of protest. It becomes a place of optimism, action and most importantly, care.

• ProducerNishtha JAIN, Valerie MONTMARTIN
• Screenplay Nishtha JAIN
• Cinematography Akash BASUMATARI
• Edit Giles GARDNER, Nishtha JAIN, Anand GAUTAM
• Production Design Nishtha JAIN
• Sound Lohit BHALLA, Niraj GERA
• Music Florencia DI CONCILIO
• Cast Gurbaz SINGH SANGHA, Veerpal KAUR, Beant KHOSA, Joginder Singh UGRAHAN

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