Watch Back to Eden Film

Back to Eden Film is a thought-provoking documentary released on February 1, 2011. This film explores the unique life journey of a natural farmer, Paul Gautschi, who lives in Northern California. The documentary follows his transformative story of merging his faith in God with his passion and dedication to creating sustainable and regenerative farming practices.

The film takes us on a journey through the gardens, orchards, and vineyards that Gautschi has tended to for over three decades. His approach is unique and inspiring, as he chooses to work alongside nature rather than against it. He has always believed in the idea that God created the garden to be self-sustaining and self-regenerating, and it's his job as a farmer to allow nature to fulfill its purpose. His agricultural model is in stark contrast to the industrialized, monoculture-based agriculture that dominates modern farming.

The documentary features numerous interviews with Gautschi, who speaks with a calm and meditative tone. He shares his wisdom on the intricacies of natural farming, detailing how he fosters healthy soil, operates a "no-till" system, and embraces the diverse ecosystem within his gardens. Gautschi's success at growing numerous fruits and vegetables has garnered attention nationwide, and several other farmers from all over the country have followed and applied Gautschi's farming method to their own farms.

The film also provides amazing visuals of Gautschi's farm and the natural farming techniques he employs. We see him using the sheet mulch technique to maximize the use of recycled materials and to create a comfortable home for earthworms. The film also captures his use of a deep-layered mulch system, which retains moisture in the soil, suppresses weeds, and dramatically reduces the need for watering. In conjunction with this overlay system, Gautshi also uses natural pest control methods such as chickens to offset the damage done by pests.

The documentary then shifts its focus to the practicality of natural farming, the lessons, and economic benefits that Gautschi has learned after years of practicing natural farming. Gautschi conveys the importance of the diversity of crop within a garden and how crop rotation ensures the constant regeneration of the soil. Gautschi never fails to mention the importance of soil. He firmly believes that optimal soil health creates a harmonious balance in the garden that benefits both the farmer and the environment.

The film also highlights the impact Gautschi's farming method has had on his community, with neighbors and fellow farmers seeking his advice and implementing his techniques on their farms. Mark McOmber, the director of the film, interviews a couple of Gautschi's neighbors, seeking to understand how his methods have transformed their lives and practices. They share their experiences of the abundance they now grow, the reduction of pests, and how he has transformed their perspective on nature and agriculture.

Overall, Back to Eden Film is a captivating documentary that inspires and educates its audience on the natural farming practices of Paul Gautschi. His unrelenting devotion to regenerative agriculture is a testament to the fact that one individual can make a significant impact on society and the natural world. Anyone who desires to learn about cultivating a garden with a thoughtful approach will undoubtedly benefit from this film.

Back to Eden Film is a 2011 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 43 minutes.