Fresno Filmworks
Festival Buzz: 319 views

“It’s tempting to call ‘The Garden’ a story of innocence and experience, of evil corrupting paradise, but that would be doing a disservice to the fascinating complexities of a classic Los Angeles conflict and an excellent documentary that does them full justice.”
Kenneth Turan, Los Angeles Times

“Scott Hamilton Kennedy’s cinematography is gorgeous–you can practically smell the flowers and taste the fruit. The film is a beautiful portrait of a unique community and it will surely move you.”
Jennifer Murin, About.com

Watch the Trailer

Synopsis

The Garden tells the story of a 14-acre community garden in South Central Los Angeles that was, at its height, the largest of its kind in the United States. Residents started the community garden as a form of healing after the devastating LA riots in 1992. Since then, the South Central Farmers created a miracle in one of the country’s most blighted neighborhoods — growing their own food, feeding their families, and creating a community. But bulldozers now threaten their oasis. The documentary takes an unflinching look at the struggle between these urban farmers, the City of Los Angeles, and a powerful developer who wants to evict the farmers in order to build warehouses. Screening sponsors: Fresno Metro Ministry and T & D Willey Farms

Directed by Scott Hamilton Kennedy
USA, 2008, Beta-SP
80 minutes
http://www.blackvalleyfilms.com/

Companion Short Film

  • COLORADO EXPERIENCE

  • USA, Bryan Yokomi

  • 30 minutes, English

  • The Colorado Experience documents the journey of a Japanese-American family from Fresno County that voluntarily evacuated during World War II, avoiding internment. The family relocated to Colorado, leaving behind their vineyard and being forced into a new life. Although they were free from the barbed-wire fences of the camps, their lives still reflected struggle and poverty.

  • screening includes special appearances →
  • http://www.BryanYokomi.com

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Festival Pass – $50

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General Admission – $10
Students & Seniors – $8

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