The global release of the Thirsty Land documentary took place during the 2016 Water for Food Global conference on the campus of the University of Nebraska - Lincoln. Emmy-award winning director and producer, Conrad Weaver, aims to provide a conversation starter between consumers and the agriculture industry.
Thirsty Land is a conversation starter and bridge between agriculture and urban communities. Water is a controversial topic in the western U.S. It is also a basic survival need for the entire U.S., and can be a common thread between consumers and the agriculture community.
"What I didn't expect was that I'd still be thinking about it two days later. And I think about it every time I turn on the faucet. Every. Single. Time," said Tracy Zeorian, Nebraska wheat harvester and film viewer. "To see people struggling to survive by doing whatever it takes to have water to drink and to bathe with was an eye opener. I see this in other countries, not in the United States! Water and food goes hand in hand for survival - for OUR survival. As with education of where our food comes from, we've got to impress the importance of water conservation. This film will make that happen."
The AgChat Foundation is dedicated to empowering farmers, ranchers and agriculturalists with the tools to share their stories with those disconnected from agriculture.
"Its essential that agriculture advocates know and understand their ‘why' and ‘what.' Conrad has captured both and framed this information in a way which connects with consumers," said Jenny Schweigert, executive director of the AgChat Foundation. "Thirsty Land includes various perspectives which will correlate the fluctuation of agriculture to local economies."
As the in-kind, fiscal sponsor, the AgChat Foundation assists ConjoStudios, Inc., with fund raising for the project, providing tax benefits to donors. Fundraising will continue in an effort to market and distribute the film.
5.09.2016
