The Paradox of Seabrook Farms

The Paradox of Seabrook Farms

Why is Documenting the History of Seabrook Farms

Important for today’s world?

What occurred in a small New Jersey community 70 year ago is a

universal story of hope and new beginnings about people who came to

Seabrook Farms with nothing and left with opportunities. Their true-life

stories of survival and perseverance reflect the struggles for freedom from

war and oppression that are in today’s headlines around the world.

By the middle of the 20st century, Seabrook Farms was one of the largest

agricultural operations in US and a pioneer in the frozen food industry. This

success depended on the labor of over 3,000 employees in a company

community representing more than two dozen cultures and 30 languages.

These workers, including Japanese Americans from US Internment Camps

and displaced persons from Estonia and other European countries overrun

during World War II, came to Seabrook with nothing but suitcases to restart

their lives as American Citizens free from oppression and discrimination.

Displaced Italians, Russians, Jamaicans, Barbadians, Germans, Poles,

Hungarians, Czechs, Latvians, as well as Americans who had lost their

jobs during the Depression and African Americans coming from the south in

search of work in the north, were all among the groups of people who

migrated to what became simply known as Seabrook, NJ.

Thanks to previous contributions from individuals and organizations, we

now have all the raw material in hand needed to finish the film.

Comprehensive historical research has been completed. Extensive

personal interviews have been filmed. Hundreds of photos have been

collected, along with personal journals, musical scores, and press archives.

All that remains to be done is the post-production to bring the film to life.

We need funding to help with the script writing, the film editing, the graphics

and visual effects, the color grading, the music composition, the audio and

music production, the travel and publicity for the film.

Please help us to complete this important film record of South Jersey

history — a unique history of America’s pioneering agribusiness which

became a refuge for immigrants and refugees!

NOW

Why is this film project an important story for today, present day?

Because the pain of war, persecution, marginalization, exploitation,

desperation is being inflicted today in present day events!

What occurred in the New Jersey farm community is a universal story of hope and

new beginnings for people who came to Seabrook Farms with nothing and left with opportunities. The story has never been seen on the big screen, and it deserves

to be recorded!

Please help us bring the film to life, by supporting the post-production

process — the film editing, the graphics and visual effects, the color

grading, the music composition — so we can all find out the ingredients of

the secret sauce for survival and satisfaction.

Be a Part of History

Your contribution isn't just a donation — it's a piece of history in the making.

Consider also making a donation in honor of a family member or friend who

lived in Seabrook. Together, we'll unveil the stories that deserve to be told!

The film will weave together the threads of remarkable stories to remind us

that we're all part of an extraordinary tapestry. It's a story of us — a story

that's meant to unite.

All donations are welcome, however big or small. The goal is to raise $40,000 quickly to pay for the final film expenses to finish the film this winter.

Please know that GoFundMe doesn't allow to give anything in return for your donations.