UTICA

UTICA captures the complex realities of small-town life—framed through agricultural and cultural revitalization—showing the exhaustion, but also the unwavering determination of its people. The documentary combines observational, verité filmmaking with intimate moments of struggle and celebration, painting a portrait of a community at a crossroads, but one that refuses to give up on its future. Through the lens of Utica’s efforts, the film explores larger questions about food justice, community self-sufficiency, and the impact of systemic neglect on rural communities across America. It is a story of reinvention, not just of land, but of people and culture—reminding us that while a town’s physical infrastructure may crumble, its spirit can still grow.