Seasons In The Valley

I was profoundly moved by “Seasons in the Valley” and your dedication to a subject that so few know about. I loved the passionate photography you brought to the simple, little scene of ritual of bee pollination, and the faces and quiet dignity of the Jamaicans. I loved being there with them. You really wrote a novel with film, that would make Steinbeck proud. Mel Allen, Editor, Yankee Magazine

“Seasons in the Valley” is a timely and important motion picture that premiered at the Rhode Island International Film Festival. By its solid research and exceptional production values, the film raises the level of the national debate about immigration in truly, thought-provoking fashion. This is one film that is a must-see since it breaks down the barriers of prejudice and ignorance by shining a spotlight on the reality few want to discuss. It moves beyond scapegoating to explain a complex subject in understandable terms. I highly recommend this film. Its message is far too significant and the film must be seen by the largest possible audience. George T. Marshall, Executive Director, Rhode Island International Film Festival

Each year, thousands of nonimmigrant alien laborers come to the United States for temporary or seasonal agricultural work under the auspices of the Department of Labor's H-2A visa program. This documentary, warmly narrated by actor Elliott Gould, provides a detailed and encouraging glimpse of the program's operation in the resplendent apple orchards of New York's Hudson Valley, where a group of Jamaican men come to work each year. Candid on-location interviews here and in Jamaica create a richly textured portrait of how the program mutually benefits the workers and their employers, the close relationship between them, and the challenges they share in an increasingly globalized economy. Most poignant, however, are the testimonies of the workers themselves as they share their hopes of improving their families' lives back in Jamaica, as well as their experiences of discrimination while in this country. In English, with occasional subtitles. Recommended for most libraries. Trailer at www.seasonsinthevalley.com. Robert A. Sica, Eastern Kentucky Univ. Lib., Richmond

While the film could have been solely about globalization or connected squarely with the racial issues the Jamaicans face outside of the farming community, I wanted to address this film as a success story and a film that spoke of the immigrant labor without the middle class assumptions and political patronizing, which has traditionally suggested them as slaves. I wanted a film that was orchestrated and related like the parts of a symphony and it is for this reason that the music and b-roll often speak so loudly. I wanted a film that held the mirror up to nature and reeducated us to the realities of food production. I wanted people to understand that when they buy that cheap and beautiful red apple from China or Venezuela or France or any number of producing countries that they might well be putting at risk an American farmer or negatively impacting the upward mobility of a young man or woman in Jamaica. I fervently believe in our right to choose that cheap red apple. However I wanted to simply make observations about these cost based decisions, which I hope will have impact on people’s understanding of the global nature of our ever-evolving consumer society.
In North America, the notion of color and racism is a monstrous chasm in our society and one I fervently hope is lessening but again, mostly created by and used by Americans against each other, and as tools to negate the value of ‘outsiders’.
In Jamaica, Black is simply a color and one of the many rainbow colors of an Island people with background from India, China, Africa, Europe, the Middle East (my particular background), and their indigenous Taino and Arawak Indians. The concept of being labeled ‘African American” is anathema to the average Jamaican and they use “American” with a kiss of their teeth and an upward glance as a negative reference to someone ‘uppity’.

There has been a tradition of films in the area of immigrant and farm labor that paint a picture of failure, and have become propaganda for various parties to brandish as it suits them. To me it appears that they have done little to solve the negative issues or market the positive. While in many cases they may have elevated the status of the filmmaker, they have not elevated the livelihood of the subjects. I cannot suggest for a second that this film will do anything to solve a grossly disproportionate economy. Or to put food in people’s mouths.

The film is a testament to the contributions of the men who come here and a celebration of the future that they are providing for those around them. While they inhabit an imperfect system with obvious real and potential failings, I wanted to make a strong case to suggest that there is good and bad in everything.
The notion of betterment is not an American invention. It is a universal theme shared by those across the globe, and for the farm workers, the acceptance of struggle and sometimes seemingly unfair adversity on that road to self-sufficiency is an acceptable price to pay.

I am forever touched that Philbert Bailey, who started working at nine years of age without the ability to read, has found knowledge, relative prosperity and helped to put several children who are not his own through school. This man who lost his childhood forever, has granted it to others without an expectation of recompense. This moves me deeply even as I write the words.

I am blessed in my life to have been raised across two continents and to have been taught to celebrate differences of language, society and color and I believe it helped me to keep making this film even when it seemed that it would never end in anything but endless boxes of wasted tape.
I am enormously indebted to all the people who helped me make this film and to those who have shared their thoughts on camera. The faces in this film and those who inhabit the many hours are a select group who will remain with me forever, whatever may come my way.