Attending the screening of Farming the Revolution at Indie Meme’s 10th annual South Asian Film Festival, held from April 9-13 at AFS Cinema, provided an opportunity to witness a powerful documentary that captures one of India’s most significant social movements in recent history.
Filmmaker Nishtha Jain’s documentary encapsulates the profound resilience and unwavering spirit of Indian farmers who fought for their rights. Premiering at Hot Docs in 2024, this remarkable film provides a visceral and deeply human portrayal of the farmers’ year-long struggle against the controversial farm laws enacted by Modi’s government during the COVID-19 lockdown. Jain, an experienced filmmaker with a keen eye for everyday human narratives, successfully captures the emotional and political depth of the protests, intertwining themes of collective action, identity, and solidarity.
A Filmmaker’s Journey
Nishtha Jain’s path to creating Farming the Revolution was not an easy one. The documentary, chronicling the unprecedented farmers’ protests that shook India’s political landscape in 2020 and 2021, is not just a product of passion but a testament to Jain’s commitment to telling untold stories. She invested her life savings into this film without any guarantees of distribution or a clear end in sight to the peaceful protest. Despite her previous success with the critically acclaimed Gulabi Gang (2012), securing funding for this project was difficult.
Jain was driven by the need to tell this story, believing the world needed to see the farmers’ struggle. Support began to materialize only after the Indian government repealed the three controversial farm laws, marking a turning point for the movement and garnering interest from potential funders. However, despite the repeal, the government has yet to enact the changes for which the farmers fought so diligently. The movement brought some closure for the families of the more than seven hundred farmers who lost their lives due to police violence.
The Cinematic Style
Jain’s visual style in Farming the Revolution is striking, blending observational documentary filmmaking with poetic, painterly compositions. The cinematography is intimate and raw, often focusing on human details—the weary faces of farmers, quiet moments of solidarity, and bursts of emotion amid the protests. The film moves seamlessly between the mundane and the extraordinary, capturing the unsung heroes of the demonstrations in their most vulnerable yet defiant moments.
The cinematography, led by young talent Akash, is stunning despite the limited resources. Without a budget for high-end equipment, Jain and her team used a prosumer DSLR camera, chosen specifically for its ability to shoot at night when the most powerful moments unfolded. The use of natural lighting, particularly the glow from campfires around which farmers gathered, adds an ethereal, almost spiritual layer to the narrative. Jain’s decision to feature close-up portraits of farmers—expressions weathered by months of struggle—turns Farming the Revolution into a poignant ode to the people behind the protests.
Sikhism and the Power of Unity
At the heart of the film is not just a political struggle but a deep cultural and spiritual context. The farmers’ movement, led predominantly by Sikh farmers, carries within it the rich legacy of Sikhism’s values—community, sharing, and selflessness. Jain opens the film with a reference to Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism, setting the tone for a narrative that intertwines spiritual and communal essence with political struggle.
The Sikh tradition of langar—the community kitchen—plays a crucial role in the movement. The film captures this ethos of selflessness through the farmers’ tireless efforts to feed not just their fellow protesters but also the police, the media, and impoverished individuals from nearby areas. The farmers’ “weapon” in this fight was not a gun or a sword but bread—the sustenance they provided everyone. This powerful message of nourishment, solidarity, and non-violence forms the backbone of the movement’s success.
Jain highlights the disconnect between urban populations and the agricultural sector. Most people do not know who grows their food or understand farmers’ struggles. Through the lens of the protests, Farming the Revolution underscores the urgent need to reconnect with those who cultivate the land and feed entire nations.
Political Dimensions and Bhagat Singh
While Farming the Revolution documents a farmers’ protest, it also explores India’s complex political history. The film references Bhagat Singh, a revolutionary figure who opposed British colonial rule, drawing parallels between colonial oppression and the modern-day political battles farmers are waging against the state. The juxtaposition of Guru Nanak and Bhagat Singh illustrates the multi-faceted nature of the farmers’ resistance—it is both a spiritual and political movement, deeply rooted in history yet focused on the future.
The farmers’ fight extends beyond specific laws to a broader resistance against authoritarianism and the protection of common people’s rights. The film’s exploration of this dynamic deepens viewers’ understanding of the stakes involved in the protests, highlighting the movement’s far-reaching implications.
A Movement and a Victory
The story of Farming the Revolution is one of hope, struggle, and eventual triumph. The farmers, who braved harsh winters, violence, and the COVID-19 pandemic, stood firm in their demands, ultimately forcing the Indian government to repeal the contentious farm laws. Jain’s film does not merely document their struggle; it celebrates their victory, reminding them that collective action can bring about change despite enormous odds.
The film’s final sequence, a powerful celebration of the farmers’ victory, represents a political win and a triumph for democracy itself. The movement was about more than farmers—it was about people reclaiming their right to be heard and seen. The film underscores the power of unity in a world increasingly divided.
Conclusion: A Call to Action
Farming the Revolution is a beacon of hope in a time of widespread political despair. Jain’s film is not just a documentary about a protest movement in India; it is a reminder of ordinary people’s power to effect change worldwide.. It challenges viewers to consider the origins of their food, the people who grow it, and the forces that shape society.
For those overwhelmed by political disillusionment, Farming the Revolution offers both inspiration and a lesson: no matter how powerful the opposition, collective action rooted in community and compassion can ultimately alter the course of history. For me it was a wake up call to Americans who are weened on industrial food that is literally killing them.
A Farming Revolution will be held at Indie Meme’s 10th annual South Asian Film Festival, held from April 9-13 at AFS Cinema.
Tickets are not yet on sale but keep checking: https://www.indiememe.org/