“Did You Guys Eat? ¿Ya Comieron?: Stories of Michigan Agriculture,” a documentary produced and directed by Alma College staff and faculty members, has racked up awards and kudos from audiences since being released earlier this year.
“Did You Guys Eat?,” which aims to shed light into the stories of Michigan agriculture and the lives of people who put food on our table, will be screened at the Ann Arbor District Library, 343 S. 5th Ave., on Dec. 1. For more information, visit aadl.org/node/645517.
“One of the things I feel most proud of is hearing from the people who participated in the film,” said Stephany Slaughter, an Emmy Award-winning documentarian and Alma College Professor of World Languages and Cultures. “Many have shared the film because they’re proud to be part of it, and that’s incredibly meaningful.”
We’re also hearing from community groups who see it as a tool to spark conversations about agriculture in their own regions, as well as from people outside of agriculture who say, ‘I didn’t realize this is what the work looks like.’ If the film can open eyes or start dialogue — whether about the realities of farm labor, changing wages, or the challenges and strengths of our growers — that’s exactly the kind of impact we hoped it would have.”
Over the past year, the film has built remarkable momentum through campus events, community screenings, and a growing festival presence. The project drew 100 attendees to an April sneak peek at NCG Alma, followed by its official premiere on June 12 at the National Asparagus Festival — an event that also welcomed roughly 100 guests. The premiere, hosted in partnership with the Oceana Community Foundation and the state Farmworker Outreach Services Division, featured local outreach groups tabling beforehand and a post-screening panel featuring individuals who work in or support Michigan’s agricultural community, deepening the conversation around the stories highlighted in the documentary.
Its festival run has included official selections across the U.S. and internationally, accompanied by top honors such as the Audience Choice Award at the Soo Film Festival and Best Feature Cinematography at the Grand Rapids Film Festival. Additional official selections — ranging from Mexico City to Antigua, Guatemala, and the Hispanic International Film Festival — underscore the film’s growing reach, with the latter recognizing it with an “Excellence” Award. Screenings continue into early 2025, including upcoming events in Frankfort and Manistee.
“Did You Guys Eat?” is a truly holistic look at life for Michigan farmers and the people who support them, particularly those from the Lower Peninsula. It includes interviews with small and large farmers, as well as food sellers. It also contains interviews with farm workers — some of whom are migrants — and their network of supporters. Significant parts of the dialogue are spoken in Spanish and contain subtitles.
“Did You Guys Eat?” is truly an Alma College production. It’s co-produced by Slaughter and Nick Wracan, an instructor of media, art and design. Assistant Professor of Music Justin Rito, together with student Audrey Merrifield, composed the score. Other Alma College students and alumni worked in the film crew.