Director's Note: "Holding on to the Farm"
In "Holding on to the Farm," my co-director Lewis Bennett and I visit his family's abandoned farm in the Saskatchewan prairie. This film, featured on The New York Times Op-Docs platform, captures the essence of our six-day stay in the old Quonset hut, now home to obsolete farm equipment and a thriving family of mice. During a road trip across Canada, we decided to stop by the farm and shoot some footage that quickly evolved into a full-fledged short documentary.
The film features Lewis's mom, Joan, and Aunt Neanie, who share their memories of growing up on the farm. Their stories, from installing the first indoor bathroom to the small but memorable mishap of chipping the new blue bathtub, reveal the deep emotional connections tied to this remote place. The farmhouse, now sinking into the dirt, holds countless memories of daily life, challenges, and simple joys.
As Joan and Neanie recall the past, they bring to life the sounds of cattle, strong winds, and the laughter of friends. This film also reflects on the broader lesson of their father’s late-in-life realization: the importance of prioritizing time with loved ones over relentless work. "Holding on to the Farm" is a heartfelt exploration of family heritage, the passage of time, and the enduring bond between people and their land.
— Benjamin Taft, Co-director
