In celebration of our newly installed solar panels, Berkshire Botanical Garden (BBG) has partnered with the Berkshire International Film Festival (BIFF) to present the 2025 Solar Film Forum on Sunday, April 13, at BBG. The event will commence at 11 a.m. with a series of short films focused on agrovoltaics, including Pastures and Panels, Harvesting the Sun, and several others. Following a complimentary lunch, BBG and BIFF will screen Common Ground, a film that highlights regenerative farming practices. This will be accompanied by a panel discussion on the synergy between agrivoltaics and regenerative farming in fostering a more sustainable agricultural approach.

The panel will feature esteemed speakers including Jesse Robertson-Dubois from BlueWave and an AGSA board member, Dan Finnegan from Solar Shepherd, LLC (who is also featured in two of the short films being screened and is an AGSA board member), and Tony Stone, a filmmaker and climate-neutral developer at Hudson NY's Basilica Green and River House.

Subsequent to the panel, Mike Beck, Executive Director of BBG, will conduct a guided tour of the garden’s new solar installation, which was made possible by the generous support of BBG patrons and a grant from Tern Foundation. The day will conclude with a biodynamic wine and cheese reception at 3:30 p.m. sponsored by Dare Bottleshop & Provisions. Registrants will also have the opportunity to explore the gardens and view the ‘Artscheming, Daydreaming’ exhibit in the Leonhardt Gallery.

 Common Ground Trailer

This program is made possible in part by Tern Foundation.