Growing for Good tells a story of food, mentorship and community in Oklahoma

A new Oklahoma-made documentary uses one personal journey to show how food, mentorship and community can come together to create real change.

Growing for Good follows the evolution of a small community garden into a working farm in Spencer, Oklahoma. What begins as founder Apollo Woods’ own story quickly grows into something larger, shaped by the people who showed up, the relationships that formed and the shared belief that access to fresh food and opportunity should not be out of reach.

Woods is an Oklahoma entrepreneur and community leader whose work has focused on food access, small business ownership and creating opportunities for Black-led projects to grow and last. Through initiatives like OKC Black Eats and the Bigger Than Food Foundation, he has worked to connect people to resources, land and pathways that support long-term economic and community health.

“This film is still alive,” Woods said. “I’m talking about what we’re building right now, in real time, with real people.”

As the project grew, more volunteers, seniors and students became involved, shifting the focus beyond one individual effort. The film shows how the farm became a place for learning and connection, especially through a partnership with Langston University. Students gained hands-on experience working the land and learning skills that extend beyond the classroom.

“It stopped being about me proving naysayers wrong and became about us proving we could become hope in the garden,” Woods said. “The personal journey is the doorway, but the work became mentorship, leadership and a real path for people who want to grow food of their own.”

Oklahoma itself plays a central role in the story. Woods said the state’s contrasts helped shape both the work and the message behind it. Seeing opportunity and need exist so close together made it clear that the project had to stay practical and grounded.

“You can drive ten minutes and see opportunity, then drive ten more and see limited access to fresh food and limited support,” he said. “That contrast forces you to build something real. The people who showed up wouldn’t let this stay a feel-good idea.”

Beyond the farm, Growing for Good focuses on mentorship and the importance of seeing people who look like you doing the work you hope to do one day. Woods said that visibility and support matter, especially in agriculture, where Black ownership and leadership have historically been limited.

Looking ahead, Woods said the focus is on building what has already taken root. That includes expanding mentorship, increasing hands-on learning opportunities, and strengthening partnerships that help turn interest into long-term involvement.

“The next step is turning momentum into structure,” Woods said. “That means more mentorship, more hands-on learning and stronger partnerships. We’re not just telling a story. We’re making it happen in Oklahoma.”

The film will be shared locally Saturday, Feb. 21 at Filmmakers Ranch. The screening will be part of an evening that includes three films, a Q&A and a farm-to-table, five-course dinner prepared by Black chefs, giving attendees a chance to engage directly with the ideas and community behind the film.

You can find more information about the screening here.