The LFC has been fortunate enough to screen many, many wonderful locally made and independent films over the past 2 years. We delight in keeping tabs with these filmmakers and their projects, especially if we find their films are booming and enjoying acclaim. One of the films we’re particulary proud of is The Garden, which we screened twice here in Lowell; at the 2009 Lowell Film Festival and in collaboration with UMass Lowell’s Department of Regional Economic and Social Development and the Community Gardens Greenhouse. Nominated in 2009 for an Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature, The Garden follows the struggle of a group of mostly Mexican immigrant farmers who created a massive urban garden in the hub of a dying Los Angeles community. Their struggle ensues when the property owner threatens to take away their land, thus killing not only a wondrous urban mecca, but the emotional lives of all of those who created it. It’s a true story, and very difficult to watch, but we should all feel fortunate that director Scott Kennedy captured the events on film.
We receive almost weekly updates from Scott and his team — we’d like to share what they’ve been up to and encourage you to get in touch with them as they continue promoting The Garden overseas (very exciting!) and working on their brand new documentary, Fame High.
Please read the following personal message from The Garden, and thank you for supporting independent film!
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News from “The Garden” Team
June 2010
Exciting news for Garden fans overseas! Scott will be traveling to London and Ireland in the next few weeks, and The Garden is coming with him!
The UK Premiere of The Garden took place on June 23. The film was screened at Riverside Studios in London through the non-profit documentary organization DocHouse and in collaboration with our UK distributors, Dogwoof. The film was followed by a Q&A and DVD signing with Scott. On June 27, The Garden appeared at University College Cork with a Q&A with Scott after the film. Before the screening, however, Scott taught a Master Class in Independent Documentary Production. This was an exclusive event, and space filled up fast!
The final screening of the international tour of The Garden will be July 11 at Ballymaloe House in Shanagarry, Co. Cork. The Grain Store at Ballymaloe is holding a dinner with the filmmaker, followed by a screening of the film. The next morning there will be a Bucks Fizz Brunch with the filmmaker as well! The festivities start at 6pm on July 11 and continue at 10am on July 12th. If you are in the area or know friends and family who might be, tickets and information are available HERE at The Grain Store’s ticket page. To receive news on The Garden and future events, please follow the film on Facebook and Twitter.
Finally, thank you all so much for your continued support of our next film project, Fame High! If you’d like to donate and haven’t yet, please go to www.blackvalleyfilms.com to pledge a contribution AND see a trailer for the film. Follow Fame High on Facebook and Twitter for updates!
lowellfilmcollaborativema.org 