Independent Lens Season 11 Episode 21 DIRT! The Movie

DIRT! The Movie is the 21st episode of the 11th season of Independent Lens, a critically acclaimed documentary series. This episode delves into the world of soil, exploring its importance and significance while covering the damages caused to it by modern industrial practices.

The episode starts by taking the audience on a journey through the history of soil, showing how profoundly it has impacted life on earth. From the Egyptians who used it to protect their dead, to the Native Americans who would treat the soil as sacred. The episode goes on to show that despite the importance of soil, modern society often overlooks its significance, and some of the destructive practices used in agriculture and other industries have eroded the natural resource in alarming ways.

DIRT! The Movie uses interviews with experts in soil science, ecology, and farming practices to highlight the importance of soil. The experts point out how soil affects a wide range of life forms, from humans to plants and animals, and how disruptions in the harmonious balance of soil can have disastrous consequences.

The episode aims to educate the audience about the harmful practices used in modern agriculture, such as the use of synthetic fertilizers and chemicals that potentially cause irreversible damage to soil and, ultimately, our food source. In contrast, it also informs the viewers about sustainable farming practices that work with nature instead of exploiting it.

The episode moves into the present to showcase how soil is a fundamental solution to some of the world's biggest challenges like the loss of biodiversity, food security, and climate change. Experts from various fields discuss how protecting soil can provide long-term solutions that can ensure a healthy and sustainable future.

The final act of the episode portrays soil as something much more than just dirt. It's shown to have a spiritual connection with the people who love it, treat it with respect, and understand its significance. The experts depict soil as an essential part of the larger ecosystem, and everything we do can profoundly impact it.

Overall, DIRT! The Movie is a documentary that takes the audience on a journey through the history and significance of soil. It invites us to think deeply about what we can do to protect it, not just for ourselves, but for future generations too. The episode aims to inspire us to be thoughtful about our relationship with the soil and recognize it as a precious resource that we depend on every day.