American Heart Association
Video
Regenerative agriculture can deliver powerful outcomes, but the research behind it is often hard to communicate beyond technical audiences. The brief was to create a short film that could translate complex work into a clear, human story that would resonate with partners, policymakers and broader audiences, while staying grounded in scientific credibility and local context.
Set in Embu County, Kenya, If Not for Farming needed to show what regenerative practice looks like on the ground, why farmers choose it, and what changes when researchers and farmers work together over time. The film also needed to work across formats, including online viewing and the film festival circuit.
We produced If Not for Farming as a short documentary that translates regenerative agriculture research into a clear, compelling story. Our approach was hero-led, shaping the narrative around a central farming voice and the practical choices involved in restoring soil health in Embu County, Kenya.
The film brings together practitioners and subject matter experts to balance authenticity with credibility. Farmer perspectives and on-farm practice anchor the story, while researchers and technical partners add context and evidence, helping audiences understand what is changing and why it matters.
Filmed on location in Kenya, we combined interviews with observational footage to show the work in real settings, from field activity through to discussion and collaboration. In the final stages of production, we took extra care to enhance the cinematic quality through colour grading and detailed sound design, creating a six-channel cinema experience for audiences. The final cut was produced for online viewing and wider distribution, with subtitles to support accessibility and reach.
To extend the film’s visibility, we supported a film festival approach, preparing the film and collateral for submissions and screenings as part of the distribution plan.
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