3RD PLACE - Latest Generation Film Contest

3RD PLACE

On This Land: Dr. Norman Borlaug's Lasting Legacy

Jackson Ray Mehmen

Plainfield, Iowa

Director’s Statement:

“Due to growing up on a farm that has been in my family for over a century, I possess a strong connection to the land. It’s a connection rooted in tradition, hard work, and a deep respect for agriculture's power to shape lives. When I first learned about the Latest Generation Film Contest theme, “On This Land,” I was excited to find a subject whose story was intertwined with the soil, and who made a profound impact without seeking public recognition. After numerous dead ends during my initial topic search, my ah-ha moment occurred on a family drive past the Borlaug Research Center, just five miles from my home. Only then did I realize I had the perfect subject right in my backyard – Dr. Norman Borlaug, an Iowa-born scientist who quietly revolutionized agriculture and saved over a billion lives.

Known as the Father of the Green Revolution, Borlaug’s development of disease-resistant wheat during the mid-20th century increased food security around the world. Despite his monumental achievements, Borlaug remained a humble midwesterner who worked tirelessly for decades saving lives without seeking the limelight. Thus, I wanted my film to not only capture Borlaug’s extensive contributions to agriculture but also show the humility with which he carried out his work.”

Quote From Reviewers:

“Most excited about not just the content of this film, but the way in which the filmmaker made the connection between his work and what is being done today to feed the 10 billion people worldwide in a world where our climate is so fragile via the interview excerpt and ongoing opportunities for scientists to contribute to this issue that Dr. Borlaug made possible.”

"The quality and clearness of the narration was personally my favorite part of the film. It was engaging and educational! The archive footage used for this project was great, especially the ending footage unveiling his statue."

"I appreciate how we can hear the excitement in the filmmaker's voice. The audience can hear the passion of the filmmaker, and this helps to further communicate the message. Overall, I would recommend this informative film and enthusiastic filmmaker."