JDIFF 2026 Selection Déjà Vu Connects Global Farming Crises Through a Midwestern Lens
At the 2026 Julien Dubuque International Film Festival, director Bedabrata Pain presents Déjà Vu, a documentary that bridges two continents to examine the growing impact of corporate power on agriculture and rural life.
Set against the backdrop of India’s recent farmers’ protests, the film turns its focus toward the United States, tracing the experiences of small American farmers who have faced decades of market reform and increasing corporatization. By connecting these parallel narratives, Déjà Vu positions the past of one nation as a warning for the future of another.
The idea emerged from a search for clarity during a moment of global uncertainty, as conflicting narratives around agricultural reform raised fundamental questions about who benefits and who bears the cost. “Rarely does one find such a ready made answer to a question that was befuddling us all,” Pain says.
What began as an exploration of policy quickly expanded into a broader examination of economic justice. The film highlights how concentrated corporate influence has reshaped not only agriculture, but also the social and cultural fabric of rural communities.
At its core, Déjà Vu focuses on voices that are often overlooked, giving space to farmers whose experiences reflect a larger systemic shift. Through these stories, the documentary raises urgent questions about sustainability, equity, and long-term consequences. “No change is possible without fighting these behemoths,” Pain says.
The film’s production mirrors its subject. Shot across the American Midwest during the winter months, the stark landscape reinforces the themes of hardship and resilience that define the narrative. The journey spanned thousands of miles, capturing firsthand accounts from farmers across multiple states, including Iowa, where these issues remain deeply relevant.
Pain, a former NASA scientist turned filmmaker, brings a unique perspective to the project, combining analytical rigor with a commitment to human centered storytelling. His approach emphasizes visual narrative while grounding the film in real world impact.
With its selection at JDIFF, Déjà Vu returns to a region central to its story. The festival provides a fitting platform for a film that highlights Midwestern voices while connecting them to a global conversation.
In bringing these parallel struggles into focus, Déjà Vu challenges audiences to reconsider the systems that shape everyday life. It asks a direct question with wide reaching implications. When history repeats itself, who is really paying the price?
Follow the film online:
website: https://dejavu-the-movie.com/
Instagram: @bedabratapain
