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 festival will kick off at 11 a.m. with a selection of short documentary films centered on agrivoltaics, including "Pastures and Panels," "Harvesting the Sun," and "Sunshine Synergy: Agrivoltaics with BlueWave." Attendees will enjoy a complimentary lunch followed by the screening of "Common Ground," a documentary that emphasizes regenerative farming practices.

The screening will be followed by a panel discussion exploring the relationship between agrivoltaics and regenerative farming in promoting sustainable agricultural methods. Esteemed speakers on the panel will include Jesse Robertson-Dubois from BlueWave and a board member of the American Solar Grazing Association (ASGA), Dan Finnegan of Solar Shepherd, LLC (who appears in two of the short films and is an ASGA board member), filmmaker and climate-neutral developer Tony Stone from Hudson NY's Basilica Green and River House, and Mary Johnson, Founder/CEO of Regenerative Farms. The discussion will be moderated by Lillian Lennox, BIFF's senior programmer and board member, and a member of the Roaring Brook Family Foundation. This event is generously sponsored by the Roaring Brook Family Foundation.

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.

Full-day tickets (from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., including lunch and wine and cheese reception) are priced at $40 for Members and $50 for Non-Members.

Half-day tickets (from 1 to 4:30 p.m. including wine and cheese reception) are available for $15 for Members and $20 for Non-Members. All tickets include admittance to tour the Garden. 

11 a.m.: Three short films followed by Q&A
Noon: Complimentary lunch
1 p.m.: Feature film "Common Ground" followed by panel discussion
3 p.m.: Tour of the BBG solar panels, stretch legs
3:30 to 4:30 p.m.: Glass of wine and cheese reception

Common Ground Trailer

There is a $10 student ticket at the door (with Student ID).

This program is made possible in part by Tern Foundation.