Upcoming World Premiere: CPSP to launch A.T.M – Any Time Money, a film on Natural Farming and the future of food.

A compelling new documentary exploring natural farming, soil health and the future of our food is set to premiere in India next week (Monday 28^th July).

The official launch of A.T.M – Any Time Money, hosted at the Centre for Social and Economic Studies in Hyderabad, Telangana, will be attended by government officials, agricultural experts, community leaders, students, and farmers.

The film asks a crucial question: Where will our food come from in 25 years? 

Told through the voices of farmers, communities and students, A.T.M. explores the quiet revolution happening in India. 

It shows how going back to ancient art of chemical-free farming is lowering agriculture input costs, preserving soil, saving lives and helping reverse climate change. 

Heshani Sothiraj Eddleston, who directed and produced the film for the Centre for Pesticide Suicide Prevention (CPSP), University of Edinburgh, said:

“Meeting the women and men practising natural farming and seeing how passionate they are and how they deeply care about the soil, their health and communities was an incredibly humbling and moving experience for me. 

“These farmers are really passionate and committed to what they do. 

“I made A.T.M – Any Time Money to honour their hard work in caring for the soil that not only produces healthier foods but also gives them a good secure income.

“I wanted to create a film that doesn’t just document this quiet revolution, but fosters conversations about how we can better support farmers and communities to make healthier, sustainable choices.”

Dr Ramanjaneyulu GV, Executive Director, at the Centre for Sustainable Agriculture in Hyderabad, who took part in the film, said:

“Taking part in the ATM film was a huge honour for us and meaningful opportunity to amplify the voices of farmers who are proving that natural farming is not only viable but vital. 

“Farming itself will never die because people will always need food.  But it is the small farmers who are dying because they do not have the right support systems and are often pushed into using harmful chemicals. 

“At CSA, we help farmers to make the transition to sustainable natural farming practices and this film shows what’s possible when they lead the way toward sustainability and self-reliance.”

Dhannya V Sasi and Mounika Bhukya, who are both CPSP’s Project and Policy Officers, helped produce the film.  Below are photos from recent soft launches they organised with local communities.

 

Dhannya V Sasi said:

“We’re really looking forward to the official launch of A.T.M. – Any Time Money. 

When we recently screened the film for the local communities who took part, it was a very emotional and proud moment. 

“Seeing their reactions – the joy, the connection and the recognition – reminded me why this story needs to be told.”

Mounika Bhukya said:

“It was a privilege and honour to work alongside devoted farmers, students and communities on this film. 

“Every story I heard was powerful in its own way – from struggles to breakthroughs – and it was very inspiring. 

I hope this film encourages more people to listen to farmers and see them as leaders in sustainable change.”

The aim of the film is to foster dialogue, empower communities and bring hope and inspiration to wider audiences.

The film was made by the Centre for Pesticide Suicide Prevention (CPSP), University of Edinburgh, in collaboration with the Centre for Sustainable Agriculture who are hosting the event.

The film screening is free and open to all.  Please click here to register to attend.

Watch the official trailer: https://youtu.be/TJWSUgdxpH0 

 

Key Facts

India has some of the highest rates of pesticide self-poisoning in the world.

The A.T.M. film shows how chemical-free farming is healing our soils, saving lives as well as helping reverse climate change.

An estimated 145 million cases of unintentional, acute pesticide poisoning are reported in India every year, leading to around 10,000 unintentional deaths.

However, intentional pesticide self-poisoning is also a significant concern, with 20% – 30% of all suicides in India thought to be from pesticide poisoning. While official reports estimate 25,000 deaths from pesticide self-poisoning each year, suicide is known to be significantly underreported.

A recent analysis of India’s suicide rate estimated that about 230,000 deaths occur annually. Given the extent of underreporting and the importance of pesticide suicides, the true number of deaths from pesticide self-poisoning may therefore be closer to 70,000 deaths each year.