At a time when many climate documentaries focus on environmental crises and the challenges facing the planet, Groundswell takes a different route. Rather than dwelling on what has been damaged, the documentary follows people who are actively working to revive degraded land, strengthen soil health, and build a closer connection between farming and nature.
Groundswell, directed by Josh Tickell and Rebecca Harrell Tickell, builds on the themes explored in Kiss the Ground (2020) and Common Ground (2023), forming the latest chapter in the filmmakers’ ongoing exploration of agriculture and ecosystem recovery.
Featuring narration from Demi Moore, while Woody Harrelson continues his long association with the documentary series, the film follows farmers, scientists, environmental researchers, and Indigenous leaders whose work is connected to land stewardship and regenerative agriculture. Through their experiences, Groundswell explores how communities in different parts of the world are responding to environmental and agricultural challenges through practical action on the ground.
Looking at restoration through a global lens
One of the film’s defining features is its international scope. Rather than focusing on a single country or agricultural region, Groundswell travels across five continents, highlighting a variety of landscapes, cultures, and farming systems.
The documentary introduces viewers to people working in diverse environments, from agricultural communities experimenting with new approaches to land management to researchers studying ecosystem health and Indigenous groups drawing upon generations of traditional knowledge. Together, these stories illustrate the many ways communities are attempting to restore degraded landscapes and strengthen local ecosystems.
By presenting experiences from different parts of the world, the film suggests that environmental restoration does not follow a single blueprint. Instead, solutions often emerge from local conditions, cultural practices, and regional needs.
Continuing the conversation started by earlier films
The release of Kiss the Ground helped bring wider public attention to the importance of soil health and its connection to food production, agriculture, and environmental sustainability. The documentary encouraged audiences to consider how soil functions as a living system that supports both farming and broader ecological processes.
The follow-up film, Common Ground, widened the conversation by examining farming systems and the people working to promote different approaches to land stewardship.
Groundswell builds upon those foundations while taking the conversation to a broader international scale. Rather than concentrating on a single region, it examines how similar themes are being explored by communities facing different environmental conditions and agricultural realities.
Why regenerative agriculture plays a central role
A recurring theme throughout the documentary is regenerative agriculture. While there is no universally accepted definition of the term, it is commonly used to describe farming approaches that seek to improve soil health, encourage biodiversity, and support the long-term functioning of ecosystems.
The film examines how these practices are being explored in different regions and why they have attracted increasing interest among farmers, researchers, and environmental advocates. Rather than presenting regenerative agriculture as a universal solution, Groundswell documents a range of approaches and perspectives surrounding the subject.
The documentary also considers how landscape restoration and soil stewardship may influence broader discussions around food systems, environmental resilience, and sustainable land management.
Focusing on people creating change
Unlike documentaries that focus primarily on environmental decline, Groundswell places significant emphasis on individuals and communities attempting to create positive change. Much of the film centres on practical efforts already underway, highlighting projects aimed at restoring ecosystems, improving agricultural practices, and strengthening local resilience.
The people featured in the documentary are shown navigating complex environmental challenges while experimenting with new ideas and adapting existing knowledge. Their experiences form the backbone of the film’s narrative, offering viewers an insight into how restoration efforts take shape in real-world settings.
This focus on action gives the documentary a hopeful tone without ignoring the environmental issues that continue to affect communities around the world.
Growing attention around the film
Groundswell gained international visibility through its inclusion in the Special Screenings section of the Cannes Film Festival. Its appearance at the festival further highlighted the growing public interest in discussions surrounding agriculture, environmental restoration, and climate resilience.
As conversations around food systems, sustainability, and ecological recovery continue to evolve, the documentary contributes another perspective to the debate. Rather than concentrating exclusively on environmental problems, it highlights people working to restore the health of the landscapes they depend upon.
For viewers interested in farming, sustainability, climate issues, and environmental storytelling, Groundswell offers an opportunity to explore how communities across the world are approaching land restoration and resilience in an era of environmental change.
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