If Not for Farming
In Embu County, Kenya, declining rainfall and soil degradation have pushed many smallholder farmers to the brink. If Not for Farming tells the story of a transformative regenerative agriculture initiative, where local farmers, scientists, and private sector partners collaborate to restore soil health, strengthen resilience, and secure food for the future. Through a training model grounded in scientific research and the lived experience of farmers like Sarah, this short documentary reveals how low-cost, sustainable techniques are not only reviving land—but rebuilding confidence, community, and leadership from the ground up.
AWARDS & HONOURS
Best Documentary Short, 2026 Singapore Film and Script Festival
Semifinalist, 2026 Venezia Shorts
Best International Film, Sustain Film Festival
OFFICIAL SELECTION:
2026 Lisboa Indie Film Festival • LISBIFF
2026 Montpellier Indie Film Festival • MONTIFF
2026 Singapore Film and Script Festival
2026 Sustain Film Festival UK
2026 The African Film Festival - TAFF
2026 Third Culture Film Festival NZ
2026 Valencia Indie Film Festival • VALÈIFF
2026 Venezia Shorts
2026 World Water Film Festival
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Samuel StaceyDirector
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Samuel StaceyWriter
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Samuel StaceyProducer
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Sarah WaruiKey Cast
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Francis OdourKey Cast
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Boaz WaswaKey Cast
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Jackie BertoldoExecutive Producer
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Kevin CodyExecutive Producer
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Britt MoldeExecutive Producer
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Filip MilovacCinematographer
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Ella HolmesEditor
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Ryan GrangerSound Designer
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Julien ChichignoudColorist
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Project Type:Documentary
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Runtime:9 minutes 20 seconds
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Completion Date:September 30, 2025
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Country of Origin:United States
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Country of Filming:Kenya
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Language:English, Swahili
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Shooting Format:Digital
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Aspect Ratio:16:9
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Film Color:Color
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First-time Filmmaker:No
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Student Project:No
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Digital Cinema Package:Unavailable
Samuel Stacey is a strategic communicator and co-founder of Cultivate Communications. He has led visual storytelling projects across Africa, Asia and Latin America, crafting films that elevate local knowledge, promote sustainability and support progress on the SDGs. His field experiences inform narratives that foster engagement and deliver impact.