By Josh Tarpley “Frank” and “Room” director Lenny Abrahamson has found his next project in the form of “Burning Rainbow Farm.” The film will be produced by Anonymous Content (“Spotlight,” “The Revenant”) and Film4 (“Under The Skin,” “Frank”), and adapt the book of the same name by Dean Kuipers. “Burning Rainbow Farm” will tackle the real life story of Rainbow Farm, a marijuana-friendly community that ended up being raided by the FBI.
Click beyond the jump to learn more about “Burning Rainbow Farm.” Though no actors are attached to the project, you can assume “Burning Rainbow Farm” will become one of the more anticipated films of the next few years. Abrahamson broke through 2015’s competitive Best Director race (Ridley Scott anybody) to land his first nomination for “Room.” Adapting another book, though non-fiction this time, Abrahamson said of “Burning Rainbow Farm,”
“I’ve always been fascinated by the tension in U.S. political discourse between various ideals of personal liberty and the perceived threats against them from the state…The intensely moving and tragic story of Tom and Rollie and the fate of Rainbow Farm, brilliantly captured and contextualized in Dean Kuiper’s excellent book, is a vivid and compelling way of dramatizing a fundamental fracture which continues to define U.S. society today. I’m delighted to be working with such great producers as Alix and Adam, alongside my partner Ed Guiney and very excited to be collaborating with Cory Finley, who is an exceptional talent.”
The film will tell the story of Tom Crosslin and Rollie Rohm, a couple who cultivated a community reminiscent of Woodstock in the past. They would organize annual hemp and music festivals, hoping to lead the way in marijuana legalization during the 90’s. After an accident involving a teen and their increased farming/possession of pot, their farm was raided and a five day standoff started with the FBI. Deadline notes that this could have been a much larger public story, if not for the fact it took place 6 days before September 11, 2001.
What do you all think? Were you familiar with the Rainbow Farm story before? Are you excited for Abrahamson’s next project? Let us know in the comments below!
You can follow Josh and hear more of his thoughts on the Oscars and Film on Twitter at @JoshTarpley7
