MFDB

Storyline

Film about a man fighting for what he truly believes in; on biodynamic farming.

On a farm 50 km north of Copenhagen lives Niels Stokholm. At 79, Niels is one of the last idealistic farmers in the agricultural nation of Denmark. Working from the idea that humans and the earth are fundamentally connected, he makes some of the world’s finest farm products, prized alike by consumers and one of the world’s best restaurants, NOMA. But Niels’ ways of farming are not very popular with the authorities, who are threatening to revoke his licence to keep livestock. His buildings are deteriorating, and with no one to take over from him, Niels risks seeing his life’s work fall apart.

Niels is one of the last idealistic farmers in the agricultural country of Denmark. But Niels’ ways of farming in accordance with the planets and the primal instincts of the animals are not too popular with the authorities. They are threatening to withdraw his license to keep cattle, the buildings are deteriorating, and with no successor to take over, Niels risks seeing his life fall apart. Niels Stokholm is 79 years old and a biodynamic farmer on Thorshøjgård north of Copenhagen, DK. He lives on the farm with his wife Rita who works as his helping hand. They manage the farm according to the idea that man and earth are fundamentally connected to the universe. Niels makes all the practical decisions in harmony with nature and in respect of the animals. He calls his cows by name and has a close relationship to each one of them. He uses a sowing and planting calendar based on the movements of the stars and planets. That way he knows when to fertilize the soil. These methods and beliefs in biodynamic farming yield some of the finest and most sought-after vegetables in the world. The world’s best restaurant, NOMA, as well as a lot of world famous Danish chefs, buy their vegetables and meat from Niels’ farm. In spite of this, Niels has to battle against EU regulations and frequent animal welfare controls, in addition to fines and lawsuits that threaten to close down the farm. Niels and Rita have no employees on the farm. They make do with voluntary helpers who from time to time turn up on their own accord, from different European countries. Without the volunteers, it would seem difficult for the couple to handle the work on the farm, and at the same time fighting the authorities in an obstinate struggle to secure the existence of the farm. Taking Niels’ age into consideration, turning 80 later this year, he needs to find a successor soon. But he cannot make up his mind, despite of several people showing their interest.

Festivals & Academy awards and others

International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam 2014
The Female Gaze
Berlin International Film Festival 2015
Culinary Cinema
DocsBarcelona - International Documentary Film Festival 2015
Official Section