Kickstarter

Thanks for taking the time to learn more about this project!

“Abalimi” – a word meaning “farmers” – is a short documentary about Xhosa women growing organic vegetables in harsh social, economic and environmental conditions in townships outside of Cape Town, South Africa. Growing their own food is helping them to slowly lift their families out of extreme poverty.  It is also helping to spark a micro-farming revolution in their communities.  The vegetables not used by the communities are sold to people outside of the townships, creating income for the gardeners and further helping to improve their lives.  It is a story about how re-learning the roots of agriculture and improving your own life can start a grassroots revolution based on individual food security.  This movement could result in these poverty-stricken women gaining back some basic human rights - food, shelter and a chance to gain independence through an income.

It's also a story about how a revolution can begin not out of protest, but out of necessity.  Because these women cannot afford to buy vegetables at the local market, they are forced to turn their back on the food industrial complex and instead embrace the very basics of agriculture - to personally work with the soil in order to provide sustenance for themselves, their families and their communities.

Our goal is to create a film that can properly capture the stories of these women.  We want to share their thoughts and opinions, their lives surviving in the townships.  With this funding from Kickstarter, we'll be able to finish the process of making our documentary.  We filmed last year in Cape Town, South Africa, and we now want to edit the piece and hire a sound designer and music composer to provide the finishing touches.

We believe this film will communicate to people around the world the growing movement towards micro-farming.  Individual food security is something that anyone can have, no matter their economic status, as long as they have a small plot of dirt and the know-how to cultivate it.  With your help, we can spread the message of this self-empowering, truly grassroots revolution.

Thank you!

How can I donate and be part of the film?

Simply click the "Back This Project" button in the upper right-hand corner. Please email us if you experience any difficulties with the transaction.

What happens if the money isn't raised in time?

Every Kickstarter project must be fully funded before its time expires or no money changes hands.  So if we don't reach our goal, your credit or debit card will not be charged.

Is there a website?

Yes!  The website splash page is up and running.  We will be upgrading the site shortly to include a trailer, news about the film and the people involved, scheduled festival screenings, and of course, once the funding is completed, the list of all the wonderful donors. http://www.abalimifilm.com

How can I contact you?

You can email us at info@abalimifilm.com.  Contact us with any questions or comments.  We'll respond as soon as possible.