Let us heed this manifesto, let us embrace the urban gardens of possibility, and let us grow beyond our present limitations, for the journey towards earthly growth is but the prelude to a grander symphony of renewal.
Project type: Nonfiction Feature
Project status: Development
Director/Cinematographer: Jacopo Campaiola
Producer: Sara Kaye
Website: smashwerksfilms.com
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Logline
Growing Up: The Urban Farming Revolution uncovers the rise of urban farming and vertical agriculture as ingenious solutions to food security, environmental sustainability, and urban space constraints, showcasing a worldwide movement where cities cultivate their own future by growing fresh produce within their concrete jungles.
Synopsis
In the heart of concrete realms, amidst the ceaseless hum of urban machinery, a revolutionary movement emerges – an uprising of green amidst the steel and glass. This documentary plunges into the depths of this awe-inspiring metamorphosis, exploring the fervent transformation of cities, once barren and soulless, into vibrant oases of life. We will explore the rise of urban farming and vertical agriculture as ingenious solutions to food security, environmental sustainability, and urban space constraints. The film aims to showcase a worldwide movement where cities cultivate their own future by growing fresh produce within their concrete jungles.
The documentary focuses on the transformation of cities into vibrant hubs of sustainable agriculture and environmental stewardship. It features various urban farming initiatives, including rooftop gardens, underground farms, and vertical agriculture projects. The film aims to highlight the positive environmental impacts of urban farming, its potential to address food deserts, and the empowerment of communities through local food production.
Through this documentary, we delve into the profound paradoxes of our time – a planet teeming with life, yet gripped by hunger and ecological crisis. The cinematic journey begins with an elegy to the Global Food Challenge, the behemoth that shadows humanity, where each step echoes in hollow footsteps towards an uncertain destiny. From this abyss, emerges a revelation, an audacious dream to rewrite the future through the roots of our civilization. The film will evolve as we immerse ourselves in the world of urban farming, capturing the essence of this movement while addressing the uncertainties and complexities inherent in any organic and evolving subject. Through in-depth research, on-site exploration, and heartfelt storytelling, Growing Up: The Urban Farming Revolution aims to inspire and enlighten audiences about the revolutionary power of urban farming as a beacon of hope for a greener, more sustainable future.
Meet the Filmmakers
Jacopo Campaiola – Director/Cinematographer
Jacopo Campaiola has been a producer, director, writer, cinematographer, and editor for the past 15 years. In 2013, while working for award winning directors and productions of all different calibers, he founded SmashWerks Films to further develop projects that he was most passionate about. The advent of building his own company and constructing a tight knit team of creative professionals around him ultimately brought many important projects that have shaped his admiration of humanity and his colorful curiosity of the surrounding world. In 2021, he won an Emmy for “Best Cinematography in a Documentary” for the Showtime original series The Trade season 2. Currently, Jacopo works on documentary projects around the world while playing a small and humble role in telling the many important stories of our times. His 2023 releases thus far are Retrograde, which tells the story of the last months of the 20-year war in Afghanistan through the intimate relationship between American Green Berets and the Afghan officers they trained (Our Times Projects/National Geographic) nominated for 6 Emmys and Sisters of Ukraine which explores the Ukrainian war refugee migration in Europe (Marauder Entertainment).
Other releases will include documentaries on the following subjects: the search of sub frequencies in contemporary Indian music (RAVA Films), the crypto boom and meme economy of 2020 (OPTIMIST Films), Photographer series (Disney+), and a QAnon doc (HBO).
Sara Kaye – Producer
Sara Kaye is a visionary producer in the entertainment industry, exudes excellence and innovation. With a passion for film and media, Sara’s journey encompasses diverse roles, starting from a Casting Assistant to Associate Producer to Production Manager to Producer, which began after she received a B.A. from the prestigious Theater, Film, and Television Department at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). Her expertise in orchestrating projects, hiring crews, crafting complex budgets, and executing creative ideas has left an indelible mark on numerous ventures. As a key figure at SmashWerks Films for the past 10 years, she flawlessly manages day-to-day organization and brings forth captivating concepts. Sara’s past contributions extended to educational television, where she played a crucial role in securing non-profit partnerships for the show Mack & Moxy on PBS/Netflix as well as the STEM centered show FabLab on FOX as an Associate Producer. Embracing technological advancements, she adeptly navigates digital platforms, showcasing her multifaceted brilliance in producing captivating narratives.
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Contact
For inquiries, please contact fiscalsponsorship@filmindependent.org.
