Acclaimed director Justin Kurzel has been confirmed to helm the new film “Burning Rainbow Farm,” marking a compelling return to intense, real-life storytelling. The project, announced for launch at Cannes by Rocket Science, stars Sebastian Stan and Leo Woodall, two prominent actors taking on the roles of Tom Crosslin and Rollie Rohm, gay cannabis activists whose utopian dream was shattered by a deadly, Waco-like police siege in Michigan in 2001.
Kurzel’s film delves into the rise and tragic fall of Rainbow Farm, a peaceful, marijuana-friendly haven established by Crosslin and Rohm in the early 1990s. Once celebrated as a top destination by High Times magazine, Rainbow Farm provided a rare sanctuary for cannabis enthusiasts, earning it global recognition before conflict erupted. As local authorities turned their attention to the farm, a devastating police standoff unfolded when the activists’ young son was taken from their care, culminating in one of the most dramatic sieges in American history.
The script for “Burning Rainbow Farm” has been crafted by Tommy Murphy, drawing deeply from Dean Kuipers’ investigative book on the true events. Murphy, known for his work on “Holding the Man,” brings nuanced storytelling to a narrative defined by intense loyalty, resistance, and loss.
Justin Kurzel expressed his vision for the film, stating,
“‘Burning Rainbow’ is a love story about two outliers who raise their middle finger to hate and declare ‘This is who we are, and we dare you to take it from us’.”
He shared his enthusiasm for capturing the bravery of Crosslin and Rohm, as well as the unique chemistry expected from leads Sebastian Stan and Leo Woodall, noting,
“their union will be one to remember.”
The production team includes Nicole O’Donohue, Justin Kurzel himself, and Alexandra Taussig for Thirdborn, alongside Adam Shulman of Anonymous Content, Alix Madigan of Mad Dog Films, and executives from Votiv. The creative transition to Kurzel was prompted when he stepped in for Lenny Abrahamson, who had originally penned an early version of the adaptation.
The involvement of Sebastian Stan is notable, with reports suggesting he was instrumental in bringing the project to Justin Kurzel, underscoring the personal investment of key players. As the film‘s North American rights are managed by CAA Media Finance, the anticipation surrounding its eventual release continues to grow.
This production is likely to spark significant conversation, not only for its intense subject matter but for Justin Kurzel’s reputation for exploring difficult, unresolved history with emotional complexity. The depiction of Rainbow Farm’s destruction, and the activists’ resistance, promises to resonate with audiences, reflecting ongoing debates about civil rights and authority. As casting and production move forward, anticipation builds for both the artistic and societal impact likely to follow the film‘s premiere.
