Groundwork
Synopsis
A poetic tribute to the establishment of the maple farm in Monterey, MA, owned and operated by JoAnn Elam's friend Bonner McAllester and her husband Joe Baker. Elam and McAllester were close friends since their time at Antioch College together, and Elam would return to the farm and make films many times through the 1980s. Using double exposure and occasional rapid editing, this film follows McAllester, Baker, and a group of friends as they live in the teepee first built on the property, dig the foundation for a more permanent structure, harvest and prepare their crops, and build a new wooden structure on top of the dug-out foundation. Elam films the workers with a focus on their bodies and hands, emphasizing the tactility of their labor, but at other times also foregrounds the ethereal quality of their natural surroundings.
Release History & Theatrical Window
January 1, 1975
Wide Cinema Exhibition
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- JoAnn Elam
- Original Title
- Groundwork
- Spoken Languages
- English
- Runtime
- 21m
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
JoAnn Elam
Department Leadership Roster
JoAnn Elam
Director
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for Groundwork.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Groundwork
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is Groundwork about?
A poetic tribute to the establishment of the maple farm in Monterey, MA, owned and operated by JoAnn Elam's friend Bonner McAllester and her husband Joe Baker. Elam and McAllester were close friends since their time at Antioch College together, and Elam would return to the farm and make films many times through the 1980s. Using double exposure and occasional rapid editing, this film follows McAllester, Baker, and a group of friends as they live in the teepee first built on the property, dig the foundation for a more permanent structure, harvest and prepare their crops, and build a new wooden structure on top of the dug-out foundation. Elam films the workers with a focus on their bodies and hands, emphasizing the tactility of their labor, but at other times also foregrounds the ethereal quality of their natural surroundings.
Who directed Groundwork?
Groundwork was directed by JoAnn Elam.
Who stars in Groundwork?
The principal cast of Groundwork includes Not specified.
When was Groundwork released and how long is it?
Groundwork was released in 1975 with a total runtime of 21m.