Watch Can You Dig This

Can You Dig This is a documentary film that was released in 2015 directed by Delila Vallot. The movie starring Ron Finley portrays a growing movement of gardeners and activists fighting against the South Los Angeles food desert. The film takes viewers on a journey through the eyes of four groundbreaking and inspiring individuals who are fighting to transform their community through the power of gardening.

The movie introduces its audience to Ron Finley, a revolutionary urban gardener who led an effort to transform the parkways in his small community from overgrown weeds into a beautiful garden. He states that his mission is to "change culture and build community through food." His story is an inspiring tale of how one person can start a movement and effect change in their community.

The film explores the larger issue of food deserts, which refers to areas where residents have limited access to affordable and healthy food. In urban areas like South Los Angeles, where fast food restaurants are abundant but grocery stores with fresh produce are scarce, residents often suffer from chronic health problems such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.

In Can You Dig This, the focus is not just on the problem but also on the solution. The film introduces us to four individuals: Mychal Watts, an ex-gang member turned urban gardener; Quimonie Lewis, a young woman who found a passion for growing food after her daughter was diagnosed with cancer; Kenya Johnson, a mother and activist who began a garden project in her daughter's school; and Hosea Smith, a Vietnam War veteran who uses gardening as a way to heal himself and help others in his community.

Throughout the film, we witness the struggles and triumphs of these individuals as they work to create their own gardens and inspire others in their community to do the same. In one poignant scene, Mychal Watts describes how gardening has given him a sense of purpose and direction after years of feeling lost and disconnected from his community. For Quimonie Lewis, gardening has become a way to connect with her daughter and teach her about healthy living.

The film also highlights the impact of these gardens on the larger community. We see how they bring people together and create a sense of pride and ownership in their neighborhood. As one resident states in the film, "we're planting seeds not just for plants, but for people."

One of the most memorable scenes in the film is when Ron Finley leads a group of children in planting a garden in a vacant lot. As they work together, there is a sense of hope and possibility that permeates the scene. It's clear that these gardens are not just about growing food, but about creating a sense of community and empowerment in a neighborhood that has been neglected for far too long.

Overall, Can You Dig This is a powerful and inspiring documentary that sheds light on an important issue in our society. By focusing on the individuals who are making a difference in their community, the film offers a message of hope and possibility. Director Delila Vallot has done an excellent job of capturing the vibrant spirit of these urban gardeners and the impact they are having on their community. This movie is a must-see for anyone who cares about food justice, community building, and the power of grassroots activism.

Can You Dig This is a 2015 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 20 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 8.2.