City of Trees 2015
Distributed by Passion River Films, 154 Mt. Bethel Rd., Warren, NJ 07059; 732-321-0711
Produced by Lance Kramer
Directed by Brandon Kramer
DVD, color, 76 min.
High School - General Adult
African Americans, Ethics, Social Sciences, Sociology, Political Science, Criminal Justice, Ecology
Date Entered: 01/19/2018
Reviewed by Andrew Koval, MSLSWashington D. C.’s Ward 8 Oxrun Park is at the center of controversy in this Brandon Kramer directed urban forestry documentary. The Washington Parks and People Green Jobs Program is trying to plant as many trees in this park before funding expires. However, the Parks and People program is derailed financially and politically. Challenges that compound are beguiling, leaving the viewer to ponder what else could go wrong?
Further, audiences will gain a sense as to the complexity of problems associated with urban forestry. For example, the inherent hazards of foresting near public paths as cover for criminal activity. Parks and People employees deliver emotional weight throughout, especially those who represent populations of the chronically unemployed.
Single-minded in focus one will gain an understanding of how well-intentioned federally funded programs can become fiasco. City of Trees should be a selection available in school, academic and public libraries for those concerned with social and ecological issues.