The Soil Remembers earns James Beard Media Award nomination ahead of two special screening events

The Soil Remembers, a documentary by Greenville filmmaker Rioin  “Rio” Oshiro of Undercurrent Film Co., has been nominated for a 2026 James Beard Media  Award, marking Oshiro’s second James Beard Media nomination in two years. 

The film tells the story of Chef Taylor Montgomery and his wife Fran, founders of  Montgomery Sky Farm, a regenerative farm and animal rescue in Leicester, North Carolina.  Set against the backdrop of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the documentary explores themes of stewardship, resilience, community, and the deep connection between food and the  land. 

The nomination comes during another milestone moment for the Montgomery family, as  Chef Taylor Montgomery has also been named a 2026 James Beard Award Finalist for Best  Chef: Southeast. 

For Oshiro, the recognition builds upon the success of his 2024 James Beard Media Award winning documentary, Great Wall, which highlighted Greenville restauranteur Khailing  Neoh and her restaurant, Sum Bar. With The Soil Remembers, Oshiro turns his lens toward  a different kind of culinary story — one rooted not only in food, but in farming, family, and  resilience. 

“At its core, this film is about people choosing to care deeply for something bigger than  themselves,” Oshiro said. “Taylor and Fran have built a life centered around the land, their  community, and service to others. I think that resonates deeply, especially in the world  we’re living in right now.” 

Founded in 2018, Montgomery Sky Farm is a 50-acre working farm dedicated to  regenerative agriculture, biodiversity, endangered seed preservation, and animal rescue.  Chef Taylor Montgomery brings more than 25 years of culinary experience to the farm,  while Fran Montgomery leads the farm’s animal rescue and rehabilitation efforts through  Final Run Rescue, a nonprofit headquartered on the property. 

The Soil Remembers also captures the Montgomery family’s efforts to support their  community in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, documenting moments of service, food  relief, and connection during a devastating period for Western North Carolina. 

“We’ve always believed food can bring comfort and connection, especially in difficult  moments,” Montgomery said. “In the wake of Hurricane Helene, our small team went into  communities across Western North Carolina to cook meals and support people who had  been deeply impacted by the storm. Having that part of our story recognized in this way is  incredibly meaningful to our family and our community.” 

Produced by Undercurrent Film Co., the documentary continues Oshiro’s growing body of  work centered around human-centered storytelling and the people shaping culture through  hospitality, agriculture, and service. 

Tickets for the June 5 premiere event at Zen in Greenville, South Carolina include an  exclusive screening of The Soil Remembers, followed by a five-course tasting menu created  by Chef Taylor Montgomery with curated wine pairings throughout the evening. Tickets can  be purchased here. 

Tickets for the June 28 Asheville premiere at Highland Brewing Company are available in  both General Admission and VIP experiences. All ticket proceeds will benefit Final Run  Rescue, Montgomery Sky Farm’s 501(c)(3) animal rescue, supporting ongoing rescue and  rehabilitation efforts. Tickets can be purchased here. 

For more information about Undercurrent Film Co., click here. 

For more information about Montgomery Sky Farm, click here.