Watch Growing Home

Growing Home is a heartwarming and thought-provoking documentary series produced by McCall Films. The show takes an intimate look at the lives of three families who have chosen to leave urban life behind and pursue a more sustainable lifestyle on small farms in upstate New York. Through their stories and experiences, Growing Home explores the challenges and rewards of living off the land, and the deep connection between people and the natural world.

Over the course of six episodes, viewers are introduced to the three families at the heart of the series: the Doans, the Gunthers, and the Browns. Each family has a different background and set of motivations for embarking on their farming journey, but all share a common commitment to creating a more sustainable and intentional way of life. Through interviews, footage of daily life on the farm, and immersive portraits of each family member, viewers gain a unique and personal understanding of what it means to truly live off the land.

One of the standout aspects of Growing Home is the incredible cinematography and attention to detail in capturing the natural beauty of upstate New York. From sweeping vistas of rolling hills and fields, to close-up shots of flowers, animals, and produce, the show presents an immersive and stunningly beautiful portrait of the natural world. This focus on the beauty and power of nature underscores the central message of the series, which is the importance of stewardship and sustainable living.

Throughout the series, viewers also get a sense of the challenges and obstacles that come with choosing to live on a small farm. Each family has had to navigate issues like weather fluctuations, pests and disease, and the unpredictability of animal behavior. Additionally, they must balance the demands of farming with the needs of their families and communities, which often requires creative problem-solving and careful planning. However, despite these challenges, the families are resolute in their commitment to their farming lifestyle, and express a deep sense of satisfaction and fulfillment from the work they do.

Another notable aspect of Growing Home is the way it explores the cultural and social dimensions of the farming community. Viewers get a sense of the rich history and traditions of farming in upstate New York, as well as the ways in which modern-day farmers are redefining what it means to live on the land. The families featured in the series are deeply connected to their local communities, and emphasize the importance of supporting one another in the pursuit of sustainable living. From attending farmers' markets and local festivals, to participating in community events and supporting local businesses, the families demonstrate a commitment to building a stronger, more interconnected community.

Overall, Growing Home is a beautifully-crafted and deeply moving series that offers a unique window into the lives of those who have chosen to live off the land. Through its focus on the natural beauty of upstate New York, the challenges and rewards of small-scale farming, and the importance of community and stewardship, the show inspires viewers to reconsider their own relationship to the natural world. Whether you're a lifelong farmer, a city-dweller with an interest in sustainable living, or simply someone who appreciates a good story, Growing Home is sure to leave a lasting impression.

Growing Home is a series that ran for 1 seasons (24 episodes) between September 1, 2018 and on McCall Films