Westport Matters: An Endangered Species, The Westport Farmer,
1997
This engrossing documentary chronicles the small-farm growing season as it follows
the corn crop from
spring plowing to the preparation of fields for the winter.
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Narrated by Claude Ledoux, the voice of
Westport Matters,
the film is richly detailed and highlighted with fascinating facts which shed
new light on the intricacies of family farming.
Beginning with the plowing of the spring croplands, then
progressing step by step through stonepicking, harrowing, seeding, harvesting,
then full-circle to planting of the winter cover crop, the viewer is treated to
an intimate view of the difficulties and rewards of the local farmer's life.
Ledoux's narrative is expert, explaining every detail. He
describes each piece of complex or homemade machinery. His handheld camera
follows the action with gritty yet honest realism. His respect and affection for
the farmers is apparent throughout the film.
Filled with
spectacular scenery, poignancy, and humor, this
documentary is worth watching by every member of the family. It gives the viewer
a fresh appreciation for the daily struggle of the people who, as Claude Ledoux
says, "Work to feed the rest of us."
