New Documentary Film
The Spirit of Rice is a heartfelt, one-hour journey into the soul of one of humanity’s most treasured foods. Filmed largely at South River Farm in Conway, Massachusetts, where Christian and Gaella Elwell have lovingly cultivated rice for a generation, the documentary follows the elegant rhythm of the seven stages of rice growing — from the first spark of seed to the joy of harvest.
With stirring cinematography and heartfelt storytelling, the film honors rice as the staff of life for half the people on Earth and the many creatures it helps sustain. It reveals how this humble grain carries a legacy of nourishment, culture, and peace — and invites viewers of all ages to reconnect with nature by growing rice in a bucket or small garden, preparing simple and delicious whole grain rice-based meals, and sharing in rice’s harmonious energy.
Produced by Planetary Health and the Macrobiotic Global Institute — nonprofits devoted to sustainable, regenerative living — the film features inspiring voices from the fields of medical research, nutrition, and the culinary arts, including Dr. T. Colin Campbell, Neal Barnard, M.D., and soil biogeochemist Angela Seyfferth of the University of Delaware.
The Spirit of Rice is a celebration — of farmers and seed keepers, of Earth’s fertile abundance, and of the wisdom contained in a single grain.
Length: 60 minutes
Release Date: November 8, 2025
Free Streaming: planetaryhealth.com and macrobioticglobalinstitute.com
Director: Sheri DeMaris
Filmmaker & Video Editor: Marlee Snyder
Assistant Video Editors: Alex Jack, Danka Jack & Touhid Tipu
With gratitude: to the late Michio and Aveline Kushi, Edward Esko, and the Rice Committee
Other Spirit of Rice Resources
The Organic Rice Directory
The Organic Rice Directory includes all of the resources you need to get started growing rice and learn more about this healthy, versatile staple. With articles by Michio Kushi, Edward Esko, Alex Jack, Sheri DeMaris, it features 125 listings and mail-order resources for seeds, rice products, growers, equipment and tools, manufacturers and distributors, books, music, and more.
The Spirit of Rice Book
The Spirit of Rice by Alex Jack and Mark Leonas. A perfect complement to the film, this book delves deeper into the seven stages of the rice cycle and the inspiring history, culture, and health benefits of this amazing grain. It includes over 100 beautiful color photographs and outtakes from the documentary, as well as inspiring material on rice’s history, culture, and culinary artistry. Printed version $25 postpaid in the U.S. PDF version $15 (emailed either inside or outside the U.S.)
Order from planetaryhealth.com. Please include your email address for PDFs. For delivery of printed copies, a mailing address and telephone number for the carrier are required.
