The FarmCoast Documentary: A Cinematic Call to Action

Produced by Ethan de Aguiar & The Marion Institute

A Region of Abundance—A Food System in Crisis

Drive around the Southcoast, and you’ll see rolling pastures, small farms, grazing livestock, and bustling farmers’ markets. The region is rich in local food sources, from farm-fresh produce to a vibrant fishing industry, including aquaculture.

Yet, beneath this abundance lies a harsher reality. The farmers and food producers who sustain our communities are hanging on by a thread. They face mounting challenges—rising costs, labor shortages, climate disruptions, vanishing suppliers, and market barriers. Worse yet, much locally-produced food goes to waste due to lack of gleaning program and distribution channels, while food insecurity remains a pressing issue.

Without intervention, we may soon face an active food crisis. To prevent this, we must move beyond simply urging consumers to “support your local farmer” and instead foster a deeper understanding of how our entire regional economy, environment, and food security depend on those who grow, raise, and harvest our food.

The Film: A Powerful Tool for Change

To bring this urgent message to life, The Marion Institute and its Southcoast Food Policy Council (SFPC) have partnered with award-winning New Bedford filmmaker Ethan de Aguiar to create The FarmCoast Documentary.

The FarmCoast is more than just farmland—it’s a living, breathing ecosystem of farmers, fishermen, food producers, and advocates working tirelessly to sustain Southeastern Massachusetts. But this vibrant network faces challenges that threaten its future.

Through stunning visuals, intimate interviews, and real-life stories, this film will spotlight the complex, interconnected web of food production throughout our region. We will go beyond nostalgia-driven imagery of farm stands and fisheries to expose the real challenges and triumphs of those who sustain us.

This documentary is more than just a film—it’s a catalyst for change. Designed for film festivals, libraries, schools, and social media, it will be crafted to maximize impact. Short clips and personal stories will be tailored for digital platforms, ensuring that these critical voices reach a broad audience and spark public action.

Why This Matters

The Southcoast Food Policy Council, a program of The Marion Institute, is working to build a thriving, inclusive, and regionally-based food system. Their Local Food Action Plan and the state-wide New England Feeding New England initiatives are tackling long-term systemic food insecurity while advocating for policies that strengthen local producers and communities.

But to drive real change, we need the public’s engagement. This film is a critical tool in that effort.

How You Can Help

We invite you to be part of this movement. Your investment in The FarmCoast Documentary will:

Amplify the voices of local farmers, fishers, and food producers
Educate and inspire action on food policy and food justice
Help drive funding and support for sustainable farming and fishing
Raise awareness about the growing food crisis in our region
Strengthen the resilience of Southeastern Massachusetts’s food network

Donations to this project are tax-deductible through the Marion Institute’s Southcoast Food Policy Council. A detailed budget proposal is available below.