On 'Common Ground': Filmmaker Josh Tickell takes a look at soil health in documentary screening at Guild Cinema

Nov. 2—Laura Dern. Ian Somerhalder. Woody Harrelson. Rosario Dawson. Donald Glover. Jason Mamoa.

The list of actors are participating in efforts to bring awareness to soil regeneration.

The actors are also the ones who appear in Josh and Rebecca Tickell's latest film project, "Common Ground."

The documentary is the follow up to the documentary, "Kiss the Ground," which helped the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) put $20 billion toward soil health.

Co-Director Josh Tickell says he and his crew found deeply personal stories from those on the front lines of the food movement.

"(The documentary) unveils a dark web of money, power, and politics behind our broken food system," Tickell says. "The film reveals how unjust practices forged our current farm system in which farmers of all colors are literally dying to feed us. The film profiles a hopeful and uplifting movement of white, black, and Indigenous farmers who are using alternative 'regenerative' models of agriculture that could balance the climate, save our health, and stabilize America's economy."

The film is screening in Albuquerque at the Guild Cinema in Nob Hill at 5:45 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 2, through Sunday, Nov. 5.

Tickell and his team worked on the "Common Ground" for three years — though the bigger project has taken a decade.

Two sets of crews traveled across the country — from coast to coast — amassing more than 40,000 miles.

They captured more than 300 hours of content for the documentary.

"Our time on this planet is a ticking clock," Tickell says. "The majority of U.S. soils are extremely degraded, with topsoil loss occurring at a rate of 5.6 tons per acre a year on agricultural land. Our current agriculture system does not do enough to support soil health."

Tickell says the film looks at regenerative agriculture as it is about reviving our soil, encouraging biodiversity, and ultimately creating a thriving farming ecosystem.

Unlike conventional farming, which often depletes soil health and contributes to climate change, regenerative practices aim to restore and enhance natural resources.

"It's about working with nature, within the context of nature," Tickell says.

Tickell spent time in New Mexico while growing up. He and his family lived in a ranch near Silver City.

It was then when he realized there needed to be a balance with nature.

The film crew spent time in the Chihuahuan Desert where they met Alejandro Carrillo, who has restored grassland back to the desert at Las Damas Ranch.

"The seeds are stored in the sand due to ecological memory," he says. "Once the seeds re-germinate, the tall grasses begin to establish themselves again. People have used this concept to get more water via rain back into the ecosystem. A lot of New Mexico used to be tall grasslands. The film can be applied to any agricultural area. The key is to work within nature and understand the history."

Tickell hopes that the film inspires a bigger change and keeps the conversation going.

"Every ticket sold is a vote for this cause," he says. "The more we continue to talk about it, the more people pay attention. We need lawmakers to see this film and understand what's happening and that there is a way to help make it right."