In this documentary, Erika Allen, co-founder of Urban Growers Collective (UGC), leads us through the transformative power of food justice. UGC operates 8 urban farms across Chicago’s South Side, offering apprenticeship programs, herbalism classes, and a mobile food market that delivers fresh produce to schools and neighborhoods with limited access to healthy food.

As Director of Photography, I was committed to capturing the heartbeat of this movement. The cinematography was designed to highlight the textures of the land, the quiet resilience of the farmers, and the dynamic energy of community spaces. From the first thaw of spring soil to moments of mentorship and celebration, I aimed to tell a story that honors both the land and the people working tirelessly to sustain it.

This project isn’t just about growing food—it’s about growing communities, fostering economic independence, and reclaiming agency over what we consume.