Four Verses of the Same Song: Kentucky Women and the Land

ABOUT THE FILM

Valerie Magnuson, Director, Cinematographer

Elijah McKenzie, Cinematographer, Editor

If this broken world is to be healed, it will require a transformation of heart — a great love of the Earth awakened through storytelling.  The stories in “Four Verses of the Same Song” speak to our relational identities-the symbiotic relationship between a grower and her corn,  between a Burmese grower and the traditional Kachin crops she's growing in Louisville as a reminder of the home she left behind.   

"Four Verses" is a documentary film exploring the connection between Kentucky women and their land. This feature-length film showcases 10 women, shedding light on the diverse ways they are engaged in land stewardship and food production.

The film examines the physical, emotional, and spiritual dimensions of their work as it unfolds across the four seasons. Inspired by Wendell Berry's poem "Nine Verses of the Same Song," the title "Four Verses" reflects the film's exploration of four unique perspectives on women's relationships with the land. Each verse presents a distinct story, highlighting the diverse backgrounds, experiences, and motivations of the women featured.

"Four Verses" celebrates women's contributions to sustainable agriculture and serves as a call to action. By shining a light on the critical role women play in food production and environmental stewardship, the film aims to inspire viewers to cultivate a deeper connection with the Earth and embrace their responsibility as stewards of our planet.
Documentary participants were selected based on relationships built and nurtured within the Kentucky sustainable agriculture movement over the past 17 years.  Filming and editing of the first chapter, “Spring,” was completed in May 2021 at Salamander Springs Farm with Susana Lein. Susana left her position working at a Boston architectural firm to spend 10 years living and working with Mayan growers in Guatemala. At 40, she returned to the United States to build a sustainable no-till permaculture farm on a degraded hillside in Berea, KY. She has worked as an educator, consultant, and leader in the biodynamic movement over the past 20 years.

The summer chapter features Nang Bawk of Burma and Hamiso Mbulo of Somalia on their urban farm in Louisville, KY. Fall was filmed with Robin Verson and her daughter, Madeline Bela at Hill and Hollow farm in Metcalfe County, KY, and winter was filmed with Dr. Nancy Dawson in Russellville, KY.

Made possible with generous support from South Arts and the Kentucky Foundation for Women