Edens Lost and Found - Philadelphia: The Holy Experiment 2006
Distributed by Bullfrog Films, PO Box 149, Oley, PA 19547; 800-543-FROG (3764)
Produced by Harry Wiland and Dale Bell
Director n/a
DVD, color, 57 min.
K-12, Adult
Environmental Studies
Date Entered: 07/25/2008
Reviewed by Geetha Yapa, Science Library, University of California, RiversideGoing Green has become the latest trend in creating a more sustainable environment while improving the quality of life for all. Edens Lost and Found is a four part series that highlights this growing new urban revolution in four U.S. cities—Chicago, Los Angeles, Philadelphia and Seattle. Each documentary covers innovative programs and initiatives undertaken by government officials as well as ordinary citizens, to restore natural ecosystems and transform the environment.
The concept of “Green Towns” originated way back, when the first capital of the U.S. was designed. Philadelphia was originally designed with parks, green belts and public squares, where each home (rich or poor) had a garden and agriculture was considered a “moral way of living.” This documentary begins with the history of the city, covering its founding and subsequent decline after the age of industrialization, up to modern times where it is being revitalized through combined efforts of the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, the local community, individuals and the Mayor of the city.
One could see how the once green city is now being brought back to its original state of a green town. The “Philadelphia Green” initiative by the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society supports many of the greening projects such as helping communities to farm on vacant lots, turning industrial land into urban farms, cleaning up and restoring deserted and forgotten parks. The film also covers many different aspects of the restoration efforts by local businesses, developers, local communities and individuals. One interesting initiative involves reaching out to kids through art and as a result thousands of colorful murals now cover city walls replacing unwanted graffiti. This not only gives them the opportunity to get involved in the city’s rehabilitation, it also makes art accessible for those who have no art option in school. Village arts and humanities projects are transforming neighborhoods, changing lives.
This movie is about how the historic town that had the first public park and the first botanic garden is being transformed and revived back to its original status of “city within a park” through the efforts of local communities. Overall, this is a very inspirational documentary. It is highly recommended for school and public libraries.