PR: Hempsters: Plant the Seed on DVD Jun 28

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Release Date: June 27, 2011, 11:08 am
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This lively documentary, directed by Michael Henning and produced by Diana Oliver, explores the reasons why the United States is the only developed country that still bans the growth of Industrial Hemp. Hemp, which is a durable fiber cultivated from plants of the cannabis genus, can be used for paper, textiles, biodegradable plastics, construction, health food and fuel. Due to its relation to marijuana, it is illegal to grow in the U.S. under Federal law. Hemp is considered a controlled substance under the Controlled Substances Act even though it contains minimum levels of Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Hempsters: Plant the Seed

A compelling documentary that will move us one step closer
towards a more sustainable planet



Available on DVD June 28, 2011
LOS ANGELES, CA–As our society continues to consume 30% more than the planet can regenerate, Industrial Hemp is proven to be a viable and cost-effective crop that can reduce our reliance on some of the earth's most precious resources. Hempsters: Plant the Seed, featuring Woody Harrelson, will be released on DVD June 28th by Cinema Libre Studio.

This lively documentary, directed by Michael Henning and produced by Diana Oliver, explores the reasons why the United States is the only developed country that still bans the growth of Industrial Hemp. Hemp, which is a durable fiber cultivated from plants of the cannabis genus, can be used for paper, textiles, biodegradable plastics, construction, health food and fuel. Due to its relation to marijuana, it is illegal to grow in the U.S. under Federal law. Hemp is considered a controlled substance under the Controlled Substances Act even though it contains minimum levels of Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).

The film begins with the arrest of Woody Harrelson for planting four uncultivated hemp seeds in Kentucky and his subsequent trial and acquittal. Harrelson then joins traveling hemp activist Craig Lee and a number of featured old-school Kentucky tobacco farmers including Andrew and Jake Graves who just want to grow the multi-purpose crop as a way to save their farms. Viewers meet Alex White Plume, leader of the Lakota “Tiospaye” (family clan), and the first family to plant Industrial Hemp on American soil since the 1950′s. He makes a startling case that his right to grow hemp is a sovereignty issue. Julia Butterfly Hill, who has gone to extreme lengths to protest the pulping of old-growth forests by living for over two years at the top of a 1,000 year old redwood tree in Northern California, believes that hemp is the solution to cutting down trees for paper. Gatewood Galbraith, the Independent candidate for Kentucky’s gubernatorial race, attempts to bring the public at large to its senses over this issue in his own inimitable style.

A hyper-paced ride with a sizzling soundtrack, this motion picture puts hemp at the heart of just about every grassroots issue in America today. Featured players include Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard and Ralph Nader. More than a political study of cannabis, HEMPSTERS is a rousing portrait of our country’s most spirited and sensible free-thinkers.

This is the feature-length directorial debut for Michael Henning, who brings a wealth of experience to the film, having worked in the industry since 1978 with acclaimed artists such as Ron Howard, Mike Nichols, Bruce Beresford, Oliver Stone, and many others. Hempsters: Plant the Seed was a longtime labor of love for Producer Diana Oliver who came to Henning with the idea after Harrelson had planted the infamous four seeds. They began shooting footage for the documentary in the late ‘90s. The film won the “Best Work in Progress” Award at the 2001 Deep Ellum Film Festival in Dallas. More information is available at www.hemsptersthemovie.com and

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Synopsis:
Hempsters: Plant the Seed follows seven activists and their allies as they fight to legalize industrial hemp in the United States, which is used in over 30 countries and is widely known to have numerous environmental benefits such as: less reliance on oil, more efficient use of energy, forest conservation, and soil redemption, just to name a few. Hemp does not need pesticides to grow; it actually leaches toxins out of the ground. Any product that can be made from petroleum oils can also be produced by hemp.

SRP: $19.95 | TRT: 78 minutes
Street Date: 6/28/11 | UPC: 881394108325
Catalog: CLS 1083 | Genre: Documentary/ Health

Featured in the film is award-winning actor and well-known hemp and environmental activist, Woody Harrelson, who challenged Kentucky State law when he planted four feral hemp seeds in 1996. His subsequent trial and acquittal brought the issue to the forefront of mainstream media more than ten years ago, but the fight continues on. Also featured are: Willie Nelson, Ralph Nader and Merle Haggard. View clips & trailer: http://www.vimeo.com/album/1613264

Hempsters is a thought-provoking and compelling documentary that will not only encourage all of us to take action, but move us one step closer towards a more sustainable planet.



About Cinema Libre Studio:
Cinema Libre Studio is a haven for independent filmmakers with one-stop shopping for production and distribution. The company has been a leader in distributing social issue films with a full array of offerings including: acquisitions, theatrical distribution, international & television sales, grassroots outreach, digital download and post-production services. Headquartered in Los Angeles, the company is best known for distributing award-winning films that include: ‘Outfoxed,’ ‘Uncovered: The War on Iraq,’ ‘The Empire in Africa,’ Participant Media’s ‘Angels In The Dust,’ and Oliver Stone’s “South of the Border.’ The company will release ‘The End of Poverty?’ in select US theatres in November 2009. For more information, please visit www.cinemalibrestudio.com.

About earthNOW!
In 2008, Cinema Libre Studio launched the earthNOW! label to focus on films that analyze how we co-exist with our planet. These films examine the environment, health, ecology and sustainability. Keep an eye out for A NORML LIFE, coming to DVD August 16, 2011. For more information, please visit www.earthnowfilms.com.

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News Editor June 27, 2011, 11:08 am