Future Food

Step into the Time Machine...

 

At the heart of this project, sits the time machine. The experience begins as individuals step into a planetarium, magically transformed into the interior of a solar punk inspired time machine. They are greeted by Mrs Brychan, a charismatic resident from 1939 Crickhowell, who becomes their guide through a world where food and farming were deeply rooted in the rhythms of nature and community. Participants look out of the ‘windows’ of the time machine as the past unfolds before them through evocative media—real archive footage of communities coming together throughout the farming calendar, of thriving biodiversity and of nutritious, seasonal, local food. As
they witness the pre-green revolution era, participants reflect on our intimate connection to the land, the richness of the soil, and the resilience of communities sustained by their own labour and resources.

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The time machine then propels them into the complexities of the present day, revealing a landscape both familiar and sobering. They see how global food systems, though advanced, have led to unintended consequences: vast deforestation in pursuit of farmland, soaring carbon emissions from global supply chains, ultra-processed foods dominating diets, and farmers struggling under financial strain.

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Through powerful visuals and storytelling, the time machine encourages participants to confront these realities with curiosity and hope. As well as being faced with the problems of today, they are also presented with farmers who are forging the way to the future with sustainable practices. Facilitators guide them in reflecting on the contrasts between past and present, prompting profound questions about what we need to do more of and what we need to do less of to ensure a brighter future. Together, they imagine a future where sustainability, equity, and working with nature are no longer ideals but lived realities.

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With their imaginations sparked, participants transition into the role of creators and visionaries. Collaborating with skilled creative professionals, they begin to craft their vision of a transformed food system.

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The culmination of their efforts is a "documentary from the future," a vivid,
hope-filled narrative that transports viewers to a young person’s imagined
future, set in 2035. In this imagined future, regenerative farming practices
have restored soil health, local food networks have strengthened communities, and policies have been enacted to protect both people and the planet.

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After crafting their documentary, the participants are invited back into the
planetarium to see their creation come to life, projected onto the immersive dome, this time joined by local leaders and key decision-makers. Here, the real magic unfolds. Together, they delve into what they saw, felt, and learned about throughout the experience. They examine the present, considering the pressing challenges of food systems and their environmental and social impacts. They then reflect on the imagined future, sharing their vision for a regenerative world. In this exchange, barriers are acknowledged, ideas are enriched, and perspectives from both generations can come together in a shared, actionable vision. This collaborative process not only amplifies community voices but also inspires decision-makers to see the future through fresh eyes and to take meaningful steps toward lasting change.

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Future Food was commissioned by Bannau Brycheiniog National Park, Powys PSB and the Bwyd Powys Partnership. The creative was developed by Landed in collaboration with Chris Britten and Eleanor Greenwood.