The Food That Fuels tells the story of one of the world’s most essential agricultural regions — a region that often goes unrecognized. With the industry facing pressing challenges like water scarcity, soil degradation, and an aging workforce, alongside a decline in youth interest in agriculture, it’s a conversation that can no longer be ignored. The most impactful way to address this is by listening to the voices of those working tirelessly each day to sustain their livelihoods — and ours. Building relationships and fostering dialogue with the people who grow our food is, in my view, a crucial but often overlooked part of the solution.

I vividly remember the first movie I ever watched — E.T.. That little alien had me feeling all the feelings, and even now, just talking about it stirs up that same tidal wave of emotion. Some things just stick with you forever, and for me, that’s one of them definitely one of the best films ever.

I’m inspired by a number of creative powerhouses, not just directors, visionaries like Spike Lee, George Lucas, Melvin Van Peebles, Shonda Rhimes, and Steven Spielberg, to name a few. Asking me to pick just one movie as a favorite? Yeah, that’s like asking a chef to choose their favorite spice. Impossible and a little unfair, honestly lol.

I’ve come to realize that the phrase “seeing is believing” couldn’t be more true. There’s a unique kind of magic that happens when visuals, words, and sound come together. A trifecta of storytelling that hits different.

The biggest challenge in making this film was balancing it all. Delivering a clear core message, being informative yet engaging, and capturing the essence and urgency of the subject without losing the audience’s attention.

Honestly, my incredible team of collaborators and the subjects of this piece made every step of the process unforgettable. If anything, it made me feel the weight of doing them justice. That’s when I knew this project was something truly special.

I’m deeply humbled and beyond grateful for the incredible reception this film has received. The overwhelming response tells me I achieved what I set out to do, to shed light, spark learning, and ignite an honest conversation.

I believe every filmmaker inevitably leaves a piece of themselves in their work, infusing it with a perspective that’s uniquely their own. As for me, I don’t just lean into that space — I dive in headfirst.

The film festival journey is a brand-new experience for me, but it’s clear just how vital they are. Festivals play an indispensable role in building, nurturing, and sustaining a community of creators and enthusiasts, all while amplifying filmmakers and their art.

The Food That Fuels was envisioned as a docuseries from the start. My plan is to continue to build a team of dedicated people who share that vision — a commitment to telling honest, thought-provoking stories that leave a lasting impact.