MEET NEW DAY: Juan Manuel Pagán Teitelbaum
As a Jewish, Puerto Rican filmmaker raised in the Caribbean, I am driven by a profound passion for justice and a deep connection with nature. My latest project,Stewards of the Land, immerses viewers in the lives of three landless ecological farmers in Puerto Rico, navigating the challenges of producing local, healthy food in the face of economic struggles and frequent hurricanes.
Set against the backdrop of an economically depressed US territory heavily reliant on food imports, the documentary sheds light on the urgency of local food production. The farmers, leasing abandoned public lands lacking essential infrastructure, showcase incredible resilience as they endeavor to establish their farms and businesses. The narrative unfolds before and after hurricanes, capturing the farmers' determination to carve out a livelihood without land ownership or capital.
Having grown up surrounded by the abundance of tropical fruit trees in a land-occupation settlement in Vega Baja, I've long questioned why Puerto Rico imports over 85% of its food despite the richness of its natural resources. This query has fueled my audiovisual work for nearly two decades. From exploring the displacement of farm workers to producing short documentaries on the new generation of ecological farmers, my journey has culminated in Stewards of the Land.
The film goes beyond the idyllic portrayal of farming, presenting the everyday challenges faced by these new farmers between 2016-2018. It offers a genuine depiction of their day-to-day struggles to produce healthy food, care for the environment, and cling to the land.Stewards of the Land stands as a counter narrative, showcasing the determination of the younger generation to build a just and sustainable future against all odds. Join us on this journey, resonating with anyone striving for a better present in a country burdened by austerity measures.
I invite you to watch the trailer and learn more about Stewards of the Land.