The University of Wisconsin-Platteville will present a screening of the award-winning documentary “Hearts of Glass,” followed by a discussion with the film director and producer, Jennifer Tennican, on Thursday, Dec. 5. The free event is open to the public and will be held in Room 103, Doudna Hall from 4-6 p.m.
“Hearts of Glass” follows the tumultuous first 15 months of operation of Vertical Harvest of Jackson Hole, a state-of-the-art hydroponic greenhouse that provides meaningful employment for people with disabilities. The film weaves the story of Vertical Harvest’s launch with the personal journeys of employees with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Plants and people grow together in this intimate portrait of innovation, inclusion and community.
“Hearts of Glass is a one-of-a-kind movie with the social mission of serving people with disabilities with the modern concepts of vertical gardening in the middle of the town in a glass-towered building,” said Dr. Rami Reddy, director of the UW-Platteville School of Agriculture and coordinator of the event. “Screening of this film will raise the awareness of growing food with limited resources by employing the underutilized population. This is a very moving and gripping movie to be watched by everyone with social consciousness.”
The event is co-sponsored by UW-Platteville School of Agriculture; College of Liberal Arts and Education; College of Business, Industry, Life Science and Agriculture; and the Teaching and Technology Center.
“For me, ‘Hearts of Glass’ represents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to share a story of possibilities unfolding in my own backyard,” Tennican said. “Prepare to be transported. This is as close to being part of a high-tech agricultural startup and social experiment as many of us will ever get. It will challenge your perceptions about abilities, the benefits of meaningful employment and the power of inclusion.”
Learn more about the film and watch the trailer.