At the Harbor Theatre’s most recent presentation November 25, local filmmaker Bill Kunitz screened “An Uncertain Harvest” a documentary focused on the Goranson Farm from Dresden. The film chronicled a year’s worth of footage during 2009 when Maine experienced one of the wettest growing seasons on record.

For anyone who has bought fresh vegetables locally will likely recognize the Goranson family who have been a longstanding staple of Boothbay’s farmer’s market. In this film, Kunitz provides an intimate look at the struggles Goranson Farm endures when heavy rains threatened the crops and ruin $87,000 worth of harvest.

During the screening, the audience was introduced to Jan Goranson, her husband Rob, their two sons, and the other farm hands that helped them work the land.  The characters were genuine, hardworking, humorous at times, and resilient in the face of hardship.

The film exposed the realities of grassroots farming when uncontrollable circumstances foil their life investment. Compelling dialogue juxtaposed with poignant scenes, like torching diseased ridden potato crops, painted a gritty picture.

The film was informative, uplifting and avoided pushing a rhetorical agenda. Kunitz lets serendipity run its course when one of the worst growing seasons on record was proceeded by plentiful harvest the following summer.

As part of the Harbor Theatre spotlighting local farming and filmmaking, the community can learn about issues that affect our friends and neighbors. For those who wish to learn more about the film, visit http://goransonfarmfilm.org/ or tune in to the premier on Maine Public Broadcasting January 3, at 10 p.m., or January 5, at 10 a.m.

The next film “Betting the Farm” will play at 7 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 28 and will be followed by a question and answer session with the filmmakers.