In this meta-documentary, a group of high school students at a boarding school in northern Michigan set out to make a film about regenerative farming—only to get tangled in the contradictions between what they learn and the system that feeds them.
The Story
Grounded follows a small group of teens at Interlochen Arts Academy who are chosen to make a film about “regenerative farming” - a big buzzword without a clear definition. After some initial trepidations, they become immersed in the world of agro-ecology and Indigenous growing traditions. As they navigate the messy uncertainty of both filmmaking and farming, they uncover contradictions in their own dining hall’s food sourcing. With the help of local farmers and fellow student artists, they turn their project into a search for a more sustainable and connected way of living.
The Students
Dozens of Interlochen students worked on the film as co-producers, camera operators, researchers, writers, on-camera participants, animators, composers, and more. Together, they documented their evolving relationships with food and farming. Over nearly three years, the group worked as a tight-knit collective to develop the film’s tone, style, and message.
Upcoming Screenings
We are thrilled to announce that Grounded will be screening at the RiverRun Film Festival in Winston-Salem, NC. Join us on Sunday, April 19 at 3:30 p.m. and Thursday, April 23 at 4:30 p.m. for an in-person showing.
The Team
Nathan Buck
Claire Hannah Collins
Elizabeth Kaiser
Michael Mittelstaedt
