Healthy Acadia will host a series of free community screenings of the acclaimed short documentary “Seeds of Change”, featuring farmer and food justice advocate Mark McBrine, on Feb. 6, 7, and 8 at venues across Washington County.
Screening dates and locations are:
- Friday, Feb. 6, at 6 p.m. — Eastport Arts Center, 36 Washington St.
- Saturday, Feb. 7, at 2 p.m. — University of Maine at Machias
- Sunday, Feb. 8, at 2 p.m. — Milbridge Theatre and Community Arts Center
“Seeds of Change” chronicles the intersecting stories of lifelong farmer Mark McBrine and incarcerated men who grow, cook, and share food from a 5-acre prison garden, offering a powerful look at how farming and connection to the land can foster healing, dignity and second chances. McBrine’s farm-to-table work has helped make Maine a national leader in nutritious and restorative food systems.
Each screening will be followed by a question-and-answer discussion with McBrine and members of the Downeast Restorative Harvest team.
Downeast Restorative Harvest is a community farm initiative launched in 2022 and led by Healthy Acadia in partnership with the Washington County Jail, the Maine Department of Corrections, local organizations and community members. Modeled on McBrine’s compassionate work, the Machias-based farm grows fresh vegetables, fruits and herbs for the county jail kitchen and for food assistance programs across the region. Fans of farming, restorative justice, community gardens, and feel-good documentaries are encouraged to attend and learn how they can get involved in this work.
The farm engages incarcerated individuals, people in recovery, agricultural educators, and volunteers in hands-on food production, helping participants build job-ready skills while experiencing the physical and mental health benefits of working outdoors. The program strengthens local food systems while fostering confidence, responsibility and a sense of purpose, supporting successful reentry and community well-being.
Fans of farming, restorative justice, community gardening and uplifting documentaries are encouraged to attend and learn how they can get involved in this work.
For more information about the film, visit seedsofchangefilm.com.
Healthy Acadia is a 501(c)(3) community health organization dedicated to building vibrant communities and making it easier for everyone to lead healthy lives. Serving Washington and Hancock counties, the organization provides community health support and leadership across Maine. For more information, visit healthyacadia.org.
