THE PROJECT
In the heart of Suddakuntapalli village, in the Sathya Sai District of Andhra Pradesh, lies Anantagram — a living example of how determination and ecological wisdom can transform even the harshest land. Back in 2017, this land was declared unfit for cultivation; its soil sodic and lifeless, water scarce, and vegetation limited to a few hardy shrubs. But through the vision of Sukant Gupta and his team, guided by the principles of permaculture, the impossible began to unfold. This documentary captures the extraordinary journey of restoring dead soil to living soil; a story of how regenerative farming, water conservation, food forestry, and natural building have turned a barren semi-arid landscape into a thriving ecosystem.
Through archival footage, interviews, and stunning aerial visuals, Cultivating the Impossible tells a story of hope, resilience, and the power of working with nature — not against it.
REVIEWS
I'm still reeling from the documentary on Anantgram Permaculture Farm! The transformation of that barren desertified land into a thriving ecosystem is a testament to human ingenuity and determination. Who would have thought that a piece of land deemed unfit for cultivation could become a lush oasis? A heaven on earth! The team's passion and dedication are truly inspiring. They didn't just bring water to the land, they brought life. The innovative irrigation system, ponds, and channels have made water abundant, and the native fruit trees are flourishing. And those indigenous homes with marble-floors and thick, 45°-sloped, thatched roofs - stunning! The impact on the local community is profound. This project has given them a new lease on life. Their stories would have added an extra layer of depth to the film, though. And that I missed very much, especially since they were gradually migrating out from their ancestral homes. One thing that bothered me was the lack of footage of the old land, but that's a minor quibble in an otherwise incredible film. A must-watch for environmentalists, and schools looking to inspire young minds. This film is a powerful reminder of what can be achieved with vision, hard work, and a deep connection with nature.
Ronodeb Paul
FTII Alumni and Documentary Filmmaker
FAIR’s film on Anantgram stays with you because it refuses the easy arc of “before/after” transformation. It pays attention to the real work: the discipline of showing up, observing, adapting, and building soil, water, and biodiversity back into a landscape that has been pushed to its limits. What comes through is not a prescribed solution, but a living practice- regenerative, permaculture-led, and deeply local. Anantgram is presented as an unfolding act of ecological renewal that is inseparable from livelihoods. In the face of desertification, the film offers something rarer than optimism: evidence of what patient, consistent cultivation can make possible over time. It is a grounded reminder that resilience is grown-step by step-until the land begins to respond.
Vinod Vijaykumar
Founder and CEO
WINDOWSEAT
Rather than prescribing solutions, this film studies practice. Through regenerative, permaculture-led farming on a degraded landscape, FAIR reveals Anantgram as an evolving act of ecological renewal that sustains livelihoods amid desertification.
Sukant Gupta
Founding Custodian
ANANTGRAM FARMS
CREDITS – ANANTGRAM FARMS
Sukant Gupta – Founding Custodian
Krupalini Sreenivasalu – Co-Founding Custodian
Shridhar Kulkarni – Head of Farms
Jedidiyah Alfred – Head of Research & Design
Ramakrishnappa G.B. – Head of Plantation & Experiences
Sagai Raj Cruz – Architect for Sustainable Structures
