FOUR STARS for: The New Peasants
"When you hear terms such as “off the land” and “off grid” and picture what they mean, you might think of withdrawn, unsociable people who don’t contribute meaningfully to society. Jordan Osmond’s documentary The New Peasants proves this negative reputation is ill-earned through the intimate following of a family who has spent twenty years on a mission of simplicity. Meg and her partner Patrick are self-professed “new peasants”, and they live as outside the traditional industrial food network as possible with their sons, Woody and Zephyr, in Daylesford, Australia."
"Academic librarians would have a film to offer both high school and university-level departments and courses. The ecological sustainability practices in the film are perfect for environmental science, ecology, and forestry courses. Their methods of farming, forest stewardship, and discussions of the industrial food system make it a great fit for units on food and agricultural studies. Additionally, facets of the family’s way of life can be explored in discussions and projects focused in politics, social issues, capitalism, and materialism, and minimalism." -Video Librarian
