The Potato King
During my first couple weeks with the AASD, the office was abuzz with preparations for the launch of a Kickstarter fundraising campaign to support the organization's next project, Opening the Earth: The Potato King. The money raised through this campaign will support the organization in the making of a documentary that emphasizes an indigenous andean community's strengths and it's role in agricultural biodiversity at a global level.
The project is named after the chakitaqlia, an andean footplow used for the sacred act of opening the earth that dates back to the time of the Inca Empire. This short documentary will highlight the story of Julio Hancco, a farmer and guardian of agricultural biodiversity who grows more than 300 varieties of potatoes in a high-altitude community of the Peruvian Andes. As described on the campaign's page,
After hearing so much about Julio and watching the amazing short video made for the fundraising campaign's page, he made a brief visit to the office last month. Though he speaks mostly Quechua, he was joking and smiling and had us laughing the whole time. We watched the video with him as he pointed out his children and grandchildren and his señora. And, to be honest, I kind of geeked out upon meeting the Potato King himself!
In true AASD fashion, this project challenges the definition and perceptions of poverty by recognizing the strengths and resiliency of economically poor communities where others might only perceive weaknesses and disadvantages.
The project is named after the chakitaqlia, an andean footplow used for the sacred act of opening the earth that dates back to the time of the Inca Empire. This short documentary will highlight the story of Julio Hancco, a farmer and guardian of agricultural biodiversity who grows more than 300 varieties of potatoes in a high-altitude community of the Peruvian Andes. As described on the campaign's page,
"Julio's humble life contrasts with the global significance of agricultural biodiversity. World famous chefs, international organizations, and experts in the field all played a role in Julio's rise. This film contrasts the humble life of a poor Peruvian farmer with the global significance of his traditions."
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| Julio Hancco, The Potato King |
After hearing so much about Julio and watching the amazing short video made for the fundraising campaign's page, he made a brief visit to the office last month. Though he speaks mostly Quechua, he was joking and smiling and had us laughing the whole time. We watched the video with him as he pointed out his children and grandchildren and his señora. And, to be honest, I kind of geeked out upon meeting the Potato King himself!
In true AASD fashion, this project challenges the definition and perceptions of poverty by recognizing the strengths and resiliency of economically poor communities where others might only perceive weaknesses and disadvantages.
"Opening the Earth strives to uncover hidden strengths of the poor that highlight the mentalities of resilience and resourcefulness that permeate their culture. While the world focuses on helping 'impoverished communities' this project strives to learn from them. In a world where we need to be conscious of consumption and unsustainable lifestyles, we can learn from the poor."The project will only get funded if the goal is reached. With 74 backers so far, the campaign has raised 89% of the fundraising goal and we have one week left to raise the rest of the funds needed. Check out the campaign's page to learn more about the project, the funding breakdown, and view a short video about Julio and his community. Share it with your network and, if you can, donate to help us reach our goal!
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| The Hancco Farm |
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