UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Penn State’s Sustainability Institute (SI) will kick off its third annual "Intersections" film series titled “How We Respond,” at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 16, with a screening of Shaena Mallet’s "Farmsteaders." The year-long film series consists of eight films, all of which highlight individuals’ actions in response to ongoing and current social and environmental crises facing the nation and world, with more than half of the films focused on structural racism specifically.
“Often times we think we have to have the perfect answer in order to respond to today’s challenges,” said Peter Boger, assistant director of community outreach and engagement at SI. “But Alice Walker talks about everyone adding their own small stone to the pile that adds up to what she describes as the ‘rugged boulders of heroism.’ However small and imperfect it may be, we all have something to contribute.”
"Farmsteaders" documents a family in Ohio trying to keep their small dairy farm operational despite continual setbacks. Filmed over the course of five years, the documentary offers audiences a firsthand look at the many struggles and challenges faced by the often-overlooked small family farms that are responsible for feeding much of America. A panel of experts will participate in a Q&A after the screening for a discussion about sustainable agriculture, challenges facing small family farms during the pandemic, and ways to support local farmers.
“We’re excited to partner with the Student Farm at Penn State for this first film of the series,” said Boger. “The students running and operating the farm can relate to the struggles those in the film are facing, even as they are leading the way for younger farmers and gardeners committed to sustainable food systems and practices.”
For the first time, the entirety of this year’s film series will be offered virtually. Screenings will be held via a live-streaming platform that allows the audience to watch film simultaneously and participate in post-film discussions directly afterward. Pre-registration for the screenings is requested, and some films will have attendance limits. This virtual format makes it possible for attendees from all Penn State campuses and the surrounding communities to attend and participate in the post-film discussions.