Groundswell is a 2026 environmental documentary directed by Joshua Tickell and Rebecca Harrell Tickell and written by Johnny O’Hara. The film serves as the final chapter in the filmmakers’ environmental documentary trilogy, following Kiss the Ground (2020) and Common Ground (2023). The documentary features appearances from farmers, scientists, environmental experts, and Indigenous leaders from around the world, while Demi Moore and Woody Harrelson contribute as executive producers and narrators.
The documentary takes viewers across five continents, including countries such as Uganda, Kenya, India, and Colombia. Through interviews, scientific research, and real-life stories, Groundswell explores regenerative agriculture and how rebuilding healthy soil may help address climate change, food insecurity, and biodiversity loss. Rather than focusing on environmental fear, the film presents hopeful solutions and community-driven efforts to restore ecosystems.
Groundswell premiered at the Cannes Film Festival before its worldwide release on June 5, 2026. The documentary is now available to stream on Prime Video.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Title | Groundswell |
| Genre | Documentary, Environmental |
| Director/Writer | Joshua Tickell, Rebecca Harrell Tickell (Directors), Johnny O’Hara (Writer) |
| Starring | Santa Aber, Helmy Abouleish, Salina Abraha, Lucy Abwo, Hellen Adyee, Matthew Agarwala and others |
| Runtime | 94 minutes |
| Age Rating | PG |
| Release Date | June 5, 2026 |
| Distributor | Prime Video |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
Groundswell Age Rating
Groundswell is officially rated PG (Parental Guidance Suggested).
The PG rating is primarily due to thematic elements, brief suicide references, and a brief smoking image. Although the documentary is educational and inspiring, it discusses serious real-world topics including climate change, environmental damage, food insecurity, economic hardship, and mental health challenges faced by farming communities. Some younger children may find these discussions difficult to understand or emotionally upsetting.
A PG rating means some material may not be suitable for very young children without parental guidance. Parents are encouraged to watch with younger viewers and help explain the documentary’s environmental and social themes. The film contains no sexual content, graphic violence, or strong language, making it a generally family-friendly documentary despite its mature subject matter.
Is Groundswell Suitable for Kids?
Groundswell can be suitable for children, especially those interested in nature, science, farming, or environmental issues. However, younger children may struggle with the documentary’s scientific explanations and discussions about climate disasters, poverty, and mental health challenges.
Children ages 10 and older are likely to benefit most from the film’s educational content. Teens can easily understand the documentary’s message about sustainability and environmental responsibility. Parents of younger viewers may want to watch alongside them and answer questions about climate change, agriculture, and the challenges faced by communities around the world.
Age-by-Suitability Table
| Age Group | Suitability |
|---|---|
| Ages 3-7 | Not suitable for young children due to complex themes and emotional discussions. |
| Ages 8-12 | Suitable with parental guidance and discussion. |
| Teens (13-15) | Yes, recommended for educational viewing. |
| Teens (16-17) | Yes, suitable and informative. |
| Adults | Yes, suitable for all adult audiences. |
Groundswell Parents Guide
Groundswell is an educational documentary that focuses on environmental restoration, sustainable farming, and climate solutions. While the overall tone remains hopeful and positive, the film addresses several serious real-world issues that may require parental guidance for younger viewers.
- Sex & Nudity: There is no sexual content or nudity in Groundswell. The documentary remains educational throughout and does not contain romantic or sexually suggestive material.
- Violence & Gore: There is no graphic violence. However, viewers see real-world footage of droughts, floods, damaged farmland, environmental destruction, and struggling communities. While not violent, some images may feel emotionally intense because they show the effects of climate instability and poverty.
- Profanity: The documentary contains very mild language. No significant profanity or strong language has been reported.
- Alcohol, Drugs & Smoking: There is a brief smoking image shown during the documentary. No drug use or alcohol abuse is featured.
- Frightening & Intense Scenes: Some discussions involve food shortages, climate disasters, economic hardship, mental health struggles, and brief references to suicide among farming communities facing severe financial pressure. Sensitive children may find these topics upsetting, even though the film ultimately presents hopeful solutions.
Tips for Parents
Parents may want to explain basic concepts about climate change, farming, and environmental conservation before watching Groundswell with younger children.
After viewing, encourage children to discuss what they learned about food production, sustainability, and protecting natural resources. The documentary can also provide an opportunity to talk about mental health, community support, and how people around the world work together to solve environmental challenges.
Groundswell Official Trailer
Groundswell (2026) is available to stream exclusively on Prime Video beginning June 5, 2026.
FAQs
What is the age rating for Groundswell (2026)?
Groundswell is officially rated PG for thematic elements, brief suicide references, and a brief smoking image.
Is Groundswell suitable for children?
Yes. Groundswell is generally suitable for older children and teens, although younger viewers may need parental guidance because of its environmental and social themes.
Does Groundswell contain violence?
No. Groundswell does not contain graphic violence, but it includes footage of environmental damage, droughts, floods, and struggling communities affected by climate issues.
Does Groundswell contain sexual content or nudity?
No. Groundswell contains no sexual content, nudity, or explicit material.
Does Groundswell contain strong language?
No. Groundswell features very mild language and is appropriate for most family audiences.
Where can I watch Groundswell?
Groundswell began streaming worldwide on Prime Video on June 5, 2026.
Why is Groundswell rated PG?
Groundswell received a PG rating because it discusses serious topics such as climate change, food insecurity, mental health struggles, brief suicide references, and includes a brief smoking image. Despite these elements, the documentary maintains a positive and educational tone throughout.