"Learning to Grow," directed by Neha Arora, follows Paul and Lindsey as they leave city life to turn a forgotten 1870s schoolhouse into a beautiful Airbnb, transforming the surrounding land into a working farm as they learn to grow their own food, raise animals, and navigate the challenges of sustainable agriculture and self-sufficient living.
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‘Learning to Grow’ captures Paul and Lindsey’s journey as they trade their urban life for the challenges of rural living, transforming a forgotten 1870s schoolhouse in Uxbridge, Ontario, into a sustainable working farm. The film intimately explores their struggles and triumphs as they learn to grow their own food, care for livestock, and reconnect with the land. Through the daily trials of crop failures, predator attacks, and the steep learning curve of farming, the couple strives to build a meaningful, self-sufficient life. The story is not just about restoring a piece of history but about cultivating a deeper understanding of their relationship with the environment, embracing the cycles of nature, and finding fulfilment in the rhythm of rural life.
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Neha Arora
Director I am a cucumber because I'm cool, crisp, and adaptable. I always try to bring a refreshing vibe and calm energy to every project. I’m thrilled to share Lindsey and Paul’s story in our short documentary about their Airbnb and farming life. After visiting their beautiful place over the summer, I fell in love with their lifestyle and wanted to help more people discover it. Their journey is inspiring, and I’m grateful to the crew for helping me bring this vision to life! 
Nathan Sasing
Music Composer If I were a vegetable I would be arugula because I'm versatile yet it takes a certain palate to enjoy me hahaha I love sustainable living, farming, being with animals, and growing your own food. With the hustle and bustle of city life I love seeing people not being realiant on grocery shopping and purchasing needs, but using the resources available to them to sustain themselves. 
Mitchell Denison
Assistant Camera/Grip/ DIT If I were a vegetable, I think I’d be a radish. I’m pretty rad and I’ve got a little spice to me. I really wanted to work on this project as soon as Neha told me about her pitch. Paul and Lindsey are living my dream life basically. Living sustainably and doing what they love most is very admirable. |
Fifi Mokomane
Co-director If I could be a vegetable, I'd be broccoli because my hair is fluffy. I took on this project because I thought it was an awesome story that I’d never heard of before! 
Mathew Lippa
Post Sound If I were a vegetable I would be a broccoli, because that’s where I get my hairstyle from. I decided to take on this project because something about the peacefulness of farm life really speaks to me. In a world where we are constantly rushing and at odds with ourselves / own schedules, being able to work on something which is more low-key and somewhat tranquil really feels like a fresh of breath air! |
Allison Simpson
Producer I think i'd be an eggplant, because I’m underrated, but so adaptable and depending on the recipe I can be bold or totally subtle. I decided to take on this project because the switch from suburban life to a more quiet one, that is dependant on nature, has always captivated me. Also, farming is an occupation I truly know nothing about, so to hear Paul and Lindsey’s perspective and their hardships as well as their accomplishments in this new lifestyle really interested me! 
Jaime Beaton
Location Sound/Assistant Editor If I were a vegetable, I think I’d be a potato. They’re versatile and reliable, which are qualities I like to think I share haha. I decided to take on this project because I absolutely love nature and farm life. I come from a long line of farmers and have always lived in the country, so I was eager to hear Paul and Lindsey’s perspective as they navigated transitioning from city life to rural life! |
Jon Callies
Cinematographer If I were a vegetable I would be garlic because it enhances everything it's a part of, and that's what I strive to do. I decided to take on this project after hearing about Lindsey and Paul. I admire them for making bold choices to better enjoy their lives and be more in touch with nature. 
Kate Tiernay
Transmedia If I were a vegetable I’d be celery, I’m very welcoming, reliable and enjoy connecting with others which is similar to celery as it’s always there in social settings. If it’s with a dip or with a pound of wings I will always be there. I decided to take on this project because Paul and Lindsey’s story really resonated with me. I live in the country, and grew up with many farms around me. I admired how they moved away from the city life and started a farmstead for themselves! |
Annie Dietrich
Picture Editor I'd be an artichoke because I seem thorny but when you peel back the layers it turns out I have a heart. I took on this project because I love farm life, I used to take horse back riding lessons and spent a lot of time at the farm tending to the horses and the other animals and taking in the scenery. 
Jesse Telfer
Head Lighting Technician If I were a vegetable, I'd be a turnip because I turn up. I decided to take on this project because it was a really interesting story that I think should be told for the world to see! I'm really interested in Airbnbs and how they use their farm and Airbnb to their advantage. I was eager to get on set and work with this wonderful crew! |