Watch South Central Farm: Oasis In A Concrete Desert

The movie "South Central Farm: Oasis in a Concrete Desert" from 2008 is a thought-provoking documentary that highlights the struggle of a community in Los Angeles fighting to save the largest urban farm in the United States. The farm, located on a 14-acre plot of land, had been cultivated by low-income families for over a decade until they were forcibly removed by the city in 2006. The film serves as a testament to the power of human resilience and community activism, offering a message of hope for those who are passionate about transforming their communities.

The film begins by introducing us to the South Central Farmers, a collective of roughly 350 immigrant farmers who had transformed a blighted and abandoned lot into a thriving urban agriculture community. The farm had become a source of pride and self-sufficiency for the community, feeding families, providing education, and creating jobs. However, the fate of the land was called into question when the land's owner, a real estate mogul named Ralph Horowitz, decided to sell the land to a developer who had plans for a warehouse project.

The documentary captures the heart-wrenching struggle that ensues as the farmers fight to save their land from being bulldozed. The film paints a vivid picture of the tension between the farmers and Horowitz, who is portrayed as a money-hungry developer who is willing to displace a thriving community for the sake of profit. Horowitz is shown as unwilling to negotiate with the farmers, even in light of their peaceful protests and creative solutions to buy the land.

The film also introduces us to several powerful figures in the South Central Farm community. Rufina Juarez, a single mother of six who works tirelessly on the farm, is shown as a symbol of the community's strength and resilience. Juarez becomes a central figure in the film as she and other farmers work to mobilize the community to fight for their land. Rosa Romero, a 74-year-old grandmother and longtime advocate for social justice, is also highlighted as a powerful force in the fight for the farm.

One of the most compelling aspects of the film is the way in which it explores the interconnectedness of the community and the land. We see how the farmer's fight for their land is not just about preserving an urban oasis but also about preserving their way of life, their family traditions, and their cultural heritage. Throughout the film, the beauty of the urban farm is juxtaposed with images of the surrounding concrete jungle, highlighting the importance of green spaces in urban environments.

The film also features appearances by celebrities such as actor/activist Daryl Hannah, who used her platform to bring international attention to the South Central Farm issue. The film's powerful message of community activism and social change is driven home by the heart-warming and inspiring speeches of the farmers, activists, and supporters that are featured throughout the film.

"South Central Farm: Oasis in a Concrete Desert" is a powerful documentary that highlights the plight of a community fighting for their rights against powerful moneyed interests. The film serves as a reminder of the critical role that green spaces play in urban environments, providing a source of community education, and self-sufficiency. Ultimately, the film is a testament to the power of grassroots activism and a hopeful message to those who fight for change.

South Central Farm: Oasis In A Concrete Desert is a documentary with a runtime of 23 minutes.