The Screening of “Messy” Documentary- an inspiring local story

Review by GBSAN member, Yvonne Rose

The third of May 2025; Election day; you would probably remember what an icy day it was with a brisk southerly gusting through the streets of Stanthorpe. It was that same afternoon it was the Granite Belt Sustainable Action Network (GBSan), event; with the showing of another informative documentary at Stanthorpe’s Little Theatre.  Groups of rugged-up folks waited, happily chatting, for the doors to open for the first public showing of the locally produced Messy documentary film.  Inside raffle tickets to win the wicker basket of goodies were being snapped up like hot cakes by patrons’ eager to support the local activities of the GBSan NFP organisation. I got my share of tickets and was really hoping to win that basket.

Taking our seats, there was an excited hum and I looked around to see the Theatre full. It was exciting to be one of the first to view ‘Messy’.  The afternoon was warmly presented by host of the screening Amy McDonald. She entertained us with her friendly and funny banter; as well as some ‘behind the scenes’ aspects of the making of ‘Messy’. She then introduced the self-proclaimed ‘Director of Dirt’ at Messines Farm, Kieran Richardt to present the documentary; he said he spent a great deal of time, putting together this project and to get it ready for sharing with the world. 

The setting is Messines Farm in Amiens on the Granite Belt, and it is the star of the show. In four parts, the documentary explores the practice of regenerative farming in real life.  Backed up by the evidence and guest scientists the documentary clearly outlines the benefits of regenerative farming and what it looks like from the soil up. 

“Messy” covers topics like the farm’s planting strategies, and how animals are used for weeding and creating natural fertilizer. It also explains why we should respect our pollinators like the bees and the bats. Furthermore, it demonstrated the importance of intensive cell-grazing of livestock, and why setting aside land for wildlife and native bush, works so wonderfully to boost farm productivity. 

The powerful, authentic and grounded ‘point of view’ of ‘Messy” came directly from the farmer’s experience of growing food using regenerative methods. It highlights the real-life everyday challenges of farming a relatively small holding and what you have to do to survive or hopefully make a profit in a sustainable way.

The panel Q&A afterwards was a lively one with some interesting questions fielded from the audience. Conversations were started around future farming ideas with questions on the current market environment, supply chains and the distribution of produce.  The Panellists; discussed topics raised such as, how to operate in a market dominated by Supermarket giants, and how to explain to consumers the real value and relative pricing of organic local produce?   Some solutions were ‘a nod’ to past farming practices; times when early farmers in the region with small holdings would collaborate and co-operate with one another by share-farming, and sharing their expertise and the machinery.  

Panellist;  Rick Humphries from Possum  Lane farm, reflected on the importance of sustainable agriculture,  how it benefits farmer wellbeing and the consumer s health to have access to quality food that isn’t mass produced using artificial fertilisers and sprays. He also recommended anyone interested in regenerative farming to read Charles Massy’s book “Call of the Reed Warbler”. 

I asked my friend and academic Rowena McGregor from USQ University to reflect on her experience of the screening.

‘Thanks again for inviting me to the GBSan event. I really enjoyed seeing the documentary in the beautiful old theatre; it added so much personality to the event. It was so enlightening to hear the panel speak to the audience about various sustainability and community topics. The ‘after party’ was also great- the soup delicious and I had the opportunity to chat with a couple of locals’

What an afternoon I could have stood around for hours talking and supping on warm soup, and yummy damper.  It was a fantastic opportunity to socialise with people who are passionate about caring for our future living and farming in the beautiful Granite Belt.

Congratulations to all involved in creating this documentary and organising the screening, raffles and food.  Thank you.   (& btw I didn’t win the raffle)

We will keep people posted about future screenings of “Messy” the documentary and when it will be available on YouTube to share.

Host:  

Amy McDonald, seasoned ABC presenter known for her engaging storytelling and deep insights.

Panel: 

Rick Humphries. Possum Lane Farm and Granite Belt Sustainable Action Network GBSan.

Paul Revie. Senior Ecologist and Chief Quoll Wrangler, Quoll Society Australia

Jessica Lovegrove-Walsh, Conservationist, All-rounder

Kieran Richardt. Director of Dirt, Messines Farm, Natura Pacific