In the heart of Western Australia's South West, a small town known for its timber industry is now emerging as a vibrant hub of agricultural innovation and storytelling. Farmer Mitchell East, a third-generation passionfruit producer, has traded his farm tools for a writer's workshop, where he and his community are collaborating to bring their region's resilience and dedication to the forefront of a new television series.

Cultivating Creativity: Farmers Embrace the Art of Storytelling

From Passionfruit to Plastic Toys: Farmer Mitchell East's Unexpected Journey

Farmer Mitchell East is no stranger to the challenges and changes that come with life on the land. However, his latest venture has taken him far beyond the boundaries of his Willarra Gold property. Instead of tending to his passionfruit vines, East has found himself immersed in a writer's workshop, where he and a team of filmmakers are brainstorming ideas for a television series that will showcase the resilience and dedication of the region's farmers."Filmmakers are here helping draw out the creative juices in someone like me — a farmer," East said, reflecting on the unexpected opportunity. As the production liaison officer, he serves as the link between the farming community and the creative team, ensuring that their stories are authentically and compellingly told.

Bringing the Farm to the Silver Screen: A Community-Driven Endeavor

The project's origins can be traced back to the Southern Forest Food Council, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to representing local farmers and agribusinesses in the region. With funding secured through the state government's Native Forestry Transition Community Small Grants Fund, the council has assembled a production team to bring their vision to life."We're in the process of transitioning through the closure to the native forestry program, it was a major industry in our area," explained Laura Bolitho, the general manager of the food council. "So now we've got development funding to create either a documentary or TV series and then film a pilot."The council's goal is to use this platform to "bring some vibrancy back into our community" and showcase the region's resilience in the face of change.

Bridging the Urban-Rural Divide: Reaching a Wider Audience

For producer and director Bec Bignell, the project represents an opportunity to share the stories of Manjimup's farming community with a broader audience. "What I've seen working with farmers in the regions, there's this real frustration that these stories are just staying in the regional echo chamber," she said. "There's a disconnect in the city; they're consuming, eating, wearing without really knowing where it's come from."Bignell, who grew up on a farm herself, is determined to change that narrative. By highlighting the personal stories and unique perspectives of local farmers, she hopes to create a television series that not only entertains but also educates and inspires viewers, both in the city and the countryside.

Showcasing the Honey Producers: Mikey Cernotta's Unexpected Journey

One such story is that of Mikey Cernotta, a commercial bee producer who found his calling in the world of beekeeping. "I didn't come from your usual agricultural farming background, it's just something that I fell into," Cernotta said. "I was an underground miner in the Goldfields, it was my wife who wanted to have a single beehive, then I became totally fascinated by what beekeeping can offer."Despite his initial hesitation about being in front of the camera, Cernotta is eager to share his story and the story of Pemberton Honey Co. with a wider audience. "It's easy to pick something off the shelf and not understand what's gone into producing that," he said. "Hopefully this series can highlight what we do as farmers."

Pitching the Pilot: Crafting a Compelling Vision for the Future

As the production team prepares to pitch the pilot episode to major media organizations, they are keenly aware of the need to create a high-quality, compelling narrative that will captivate viewers. Bignell and her team have been working closely with the farming community to ensure that their stories are authentically and powerfully told."We are looking at different people and different perceptions, we want long-term impact to come through our story, whatever we choose to showcase," Bignell said. By weaving together the personal narratives of Manjimup's farmers, the team hopes to not only entertain but also inspire a deeper appreciation for the vital role that agriculture plays in our lives.