Al Gore to present film festival award

NASHVILLE, March 21 (UPI) -- Former Vice President Al Gore will present an award during the upcoming 36th Annual Nashville Film Festival, organizers announced Monday.

Gore will present the award to Taggart Siegel, the director of the documentary "The Real Dirt on Farmer John." Siegel's film is about Illinois farmer John Peterson, who overcame arson and a whispering campaign to make a go of organic farming against the wishes of his traditional farm community.

"I chose 'Farmer John' for its moving account of the importance of organic farming, told with insight and humor through the life of a very unique and committed individual," said Gore.

Gore chose the film from among five documentaries scheduled to be screened during the April 14-21 Nashville festival. The award was established to honor a documentary that "best provides extraordinary insight into a contemporary global issue."

The award -- to be presented April 16 -- is sponsored by the new independent cable network that Gore is putting together. The name of the new cable operation will be announced early next month.