In an increasingly urgent climate landscape, actress and producer Demi Moore has turned her attention to environmental issues with the release of her new documentary, “Groundswell”. Premiering on Prime Video on June 5, the film seeks to inspire a new wave of climate activism, promoting regenerative agriculture and sustainable farming as pivotal measures to safeguard the future of the planet.
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At 63, Moore serves as both the executive producer and narrator of the film, drawing motivation from her family. With three daughters from her marriage to actor Bruce Willis—Rumer, 37, Scout, 34, and Tallulah, 32—alongside her three-year-old granddaughter Louetta, Moore reflects deeply on her role in nurturing a healthier planet. “What am I doing today to leave our planet better for my grandchildren and my grandchildren’s children?” she expressed in an interview. “What we do today, on all levels, creates what our future will look like.”
The documentary, which is the third installment in a trilogy directed by Josh and Rebecca Tickell, follows the earlier films “Kiss the Ground” and “Common Ground”. The Tickells have dedicated years to exploring how regenerative agriculture can enhance climate resilience, travelling across several countries including Uganda, India, and Brazil to highlight successful initiatives.
Moore first encountered the Tickells’ work during a river rafting trip in the Grand Canyon, where she was impressed by the solution-oriented narrative presented in “Common Ground”. The film’s positive message inspired her, leading to her involvement in “Groundswell”.
The timing of the film’s debut aligned with the prestigious Cannes Film Festival, where Moore served as a juror. “The excitement of everything aligning was incredible. We couldn’t have asked for a better platform to launch this film,” she stated, noting her appreciation for the festival’s reach and influence.
In “Groundswell”, Moore shares the narration duties with her “Indecent Proposal” co-star, Woody Harrelson. Harrelson has been a consistent collaborator for the Tickells, lending his voice and passion to each film in the trilogy. Although their schedules at Cannes did not coincide for a joint celebration, Moore expressed her admiration for Harrelson’s long-standing commitment to environmental advocacy, particularly as both share the experience of raising daughters—a connection that adds depth to their goals as advocates for sustainability.
The filmmakers aim for their documentaries to resonate beyond just celebrity voices, ensuring that the narrators share personal anecdotes regarding their commitment. This approach serves to foster a deeper connection with the audience, ultimately broadening the reach of their environmental message. Rebecca Tickell noted, “It helps people get more engaged in the story. That relatability encourages a wider audience, which is crucial for a message focused on healing the earth.”
The film’s overarching aim is to facilitate the transition of one billion acres of farmland globally to regenerative practices. Healthy soil can mitigate climate change by capturing greenhouse gases, and practices such as maintaining diverse landscapes and using cover crops play a critical role in addressing this challenge. The inclusion of their children on the journey added a personal touch to their mission, highlighting the importance of intergenerational advocacy in environmental work.
“Groundswell” also sheds light on compelling stories from various communities, including a group of refugee women in Uganda known as African Women Rising, who are transforming arid land into thriving food forests. The Tickells’ children engaged with local children at refugee camps, learning alongside them about sustainable agriculture, which provided the filmmakers with a renewed sense of hope for the future.
Moore, who played a significant part in developing the film’s script, reveals her motivations toward environmental stewardship in a personal vignette featured at the film’s conclusion. The actress recounts how becoming a grandmother further fueled her desire to create a sustainable legacy for future generations. Meanwhile, Josh Tickell praised Moore’s storytelling ability and dedication to getting every detail right during the narration process.
Looking ahead, Moore plans to cultivate a small garden at home, marking her journey into sustainability. She emphasises the importance of fostering change through kindness and compassion, both towards one another and the environment. “It’s part of the answer for creating healing within ourselves and the earth,” she concluded.
With its official release on June 5, “Groundswell” aims to invite viewers to consider their role in environmental stewardship and to provide hope for a sustainable future. The documentary promises to engage its audience in meaningful conversations about climate change and responsibility towards the earth.