The following story was published by The State Journal-Register on Nov. 12, 2025.

"Soil and Soul: Farming in the Sangamon River Valley” won Best Documentary Film at the 2025 Route 66 Film Festival.

The film, produced by Rich Saal and Noah Sabich of Long Nine Productions, was screened Nov. 7-8 at the Hoogland Center for the Arts, according to a community announcement.

According to the announcement, the University of Illinois Springfield’s Sangamon Experience played an important role in making the film possible, hosting its pre-premiere event.