by Rae McKee, Public Relations Writer
Conrad Weaver, a 1988 graduate of Cedarville University, recently received a Mid-America Regional Emmy Award for his documentary “The Great American Wheat Harvest.” The film, which was released in March of last year, was chosen as the winner in the “Best Documentary – Cultural” category and marks Weaver’s first full-length documentary.
“What makes my heart happy is telling a narrative about agriculture and the harvesters; they’ve become some of my best friends,” said Weaver. “I am humbled by this award, but I want to honor the harvesters who risk their livelihoods as they provide us with food.”
“The Great American Wheat Harvest” follows American harvesters and their families as they travel from Montana to Texas to harvest wheat.
While creating the film, Weaver was able to combine his passion of storytelling with his love of agriculture, which developed as a result of growing up on an Ohio dairy farm. He also found inspiration for his next documentary, “Thirsty Land.”
During production of “The Great American Wheat Harvest,” Weaver discovered that drought was becoming an increasing problem for farmers, and the idea for another documentary was born. “Thirsty Land” will premiere at the 2016 Global Water for Food Conference in Lincoln, Nebraska, next April.
More information on the film can be found at www.thirstylandmovie.com.
Weaver studied psychology while at Cedarville, but discovered his passion and talent for filmmaking after participating in several extracurricular projects. He served as the head photographer for Cedars, the university’s student-run newspaper, which helped develop his skills.
“Being Cedars’ head photographer was really the key for me,” said Weaver. “Even though I did not major in film, I was able to discover my passion and develop my skill through Cedars. I followed my passions and this is where it led me.”
Located in southwest Ohio, Cedarville University is an accredited, Christ-centered, Baptist institution with an enrollment of 3,711 undergraduate, graduate and online students in more than 100 areas of study. Founded in 1887, Cedarville is recognized nationally for its authentic Christian community, rigorous academic programs, strong graduation and retention rates, accredited professional and health science offerings and leading student satisfaction ratings.
“What makes my heart happy is telling a narrative about agriculture and the harvesters; they’ve become some of my best friends,” said Weaver. “I am humbled by this award, but I want to honor the harvesters who risk their livelihoods as they provide us with food.”
“The Great American Wheat Harvest” follows American harvesters and their families as they travel from Montana to Texas to harvest wheat.
While creating the film, Weaver was able to combine his passion of storytelling with his love of agriculture, which developed as a result of growing up on an Ohio dairy farm. He also found inspiration for his next documentary, “Thirsty Land.”
During production of “The Great American Wheat Harvest,” Weaver discovered that drought was becoming an increasing problem for farmers, and the idea for another documentary was born. “Thirsty Land” will premiere at the 2016 Global Water for Food Conference in Lincoln, Nebraska, next April.
More information on the film can be found at www.thirstylandmovie.com.
Weaver studied psychology while at Cedarville, but discovered his passion and talent for filmmaking after participating in several extracurricular projects. He served as the head photographer for Cedars, the university’s student-run newspaper, which helped develop his skills.
“Being Cedars’ head photographer was really the key for me,” said Weaver. “Even though I did not major in film, I was able to discover my passion and develop my skill through Cedars. I followed my passions and this is where it led me.”
Located in southwest Ohio, Cedarville University is an accredited, Christ-centered, Baptist institution with an enrollment of 3,711 undergraduate, graduate and online students in more than 100 areas of study. Founded in 1887, Cedarville is recognized nationally for its authentic Christian community, rigorous academic programs, strong graduation and retention rates, accredited professional and health science offerings and leading student satisfaction ratings.