Playing at EFFA!

In this charming introduction to biodynamic farming, Good Things Await invites us into the Stokholm biodynamic farm in Thorshøjgaard, Denmark. Here, Niel Stokholm and his wife Rita, use holistic and traditional methods to produce delicious food sought by some of the best restaurants in the world. 

But not everyone is equally fond of Thorshøjgaard and their holistic approach. Authorities and bureaucracy threaten to close down the farm. Director Phie Ambo follows their struggle to make sure they are not the last to do agriculture the way they do, but some of the first.

This festival favorite is aesthetically enthralling, and philosophically rich. Fans of cinema vérité documentary will be moved by its honest presentation, while enjoying the undeniable charisma and intelligence of Niels. 

Join the conversation about our food systems with expert panellists and local food appreciators, and feast on tastings of mouthwatering food.

We’re living in an age when investment in food and health is at the forefront of a lot of people’s minds. Phie Ambo’s Good Things Await makes a compelling argument for biodynamic principles and practices, presenting the information logically but nonetheless cinematically. Ambie has managed to foster an aesthetic that suits her subjects, the dedicated and thoughtful farmer Niel Stokholm and his wife Rita. There’s a real sense of poetry to Good Things Await, which manages to capture the immense beauty of the Danish environment while concurrently highlighting the importance of biodynamics.

Biodynamics is a specific approach to agriculture, with a spiritual-ethical-ecological edge and Stokholm is the dominant biodynamics enthusiast in Denmark. But his form of farming is under attack. There’s a meditative quality to Ambo’s film, which calmly observes Stokholm as he respectfully and measured battles the bureaucracy that’s threatening his means and his morals.

Relentless random inspections from government officials, not aware of the practices and benefits of biodynamics, uncover relatively insignificant issues. Stokholm is hounded by fines and threats to take away his license to keep cattle. The buildings and equipment around the farm are deteriorating with wear and time and with no obvious successor, Stokholm is at risk of losing his life’s work.

Ambo spent the better part of a year observing Stokholm and his farm, observing the passing of time and the swell of life. The farm is filled with animal life, and all are vital in Stokholm’s method. Good Things Await strikes the right cord, offering real insight into an important practice while remaining cinematically engaging.

Check out the EFFA website for more details on how to check out Good Things Await.

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