A Community of Gardeners Documentary update

A Community of Gardeners is a one-hour documentary that shows how seven community gardens in Washington, D.C. are transforming people’s lives, their communities and their environment.  The film also traces the history of community gardens in the U.S., from the potato patch farms of the late 19th century, to the victory gardens of World War II, to community gardening’s current renaissance.  A Community of Gardeners has been airing on PBS stations nationwide.  Learn how you can purchase the DVD.

A Community of Gardeners will be shown at the Oakland International Film Festival in Northern California on April 6 and 7.  The documentary will be screened on Saturday, April 6 during the 1-4 p.m. time slot at the Black Repertory Theater and on Sunday, April 7 during the 5-8 p.m. time slot at the San Leandro Performing Arts Center.  To purchase tickets and to view maps of the screening venues, visit the OIFF Screenings/Tickets page.

In February and March, filmmaker Cintia Cabib presented A Community of Gardeners at several venues in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area.  Cintia visited American University in February, where she spoke about the production and distribution of the documentary to Professor Chris Palmer’s graduate students.  Mr. Palmer is the director of the University’s Center for Environmental Filmmaking.  In March, Cintia discussed her film with students and staff from St. Stephen’s Episcopal School in Houston, Texas during their visit to Washington, D.C. (see photo on right).  On March 8, A Community of Gardeners was shown to high school students at the AFI Silver Theatre and Cultural Center in Silver Spring, Maryland as part of the AFI’s Educational Screenings Program.   Joining Cintia for a panel discussion were Gouri Mirpuri, board member of The Learning Farm, Edamarie Mattei, owner of Backyard Bounty, and Sophia Maravell, founder of Brickyard Educational Farm.  The U.S. Botanic Garden in Washington, D.C. hosted a screening of the film on March 14, which was followed by a Q & A session with Cintia.  Please contact Cintia if you would like to discuss a speaking engagement.

School gardens, rooftops, and community green spaces are abuzz with activity as children, teenagers and adults prepare their gardens for the spring and summer.  If you would like to inspire your gardeners as they begin the planting season, consider hosting a screening of A Community of Gardeners in your town or city!  To learn how you can purchase the DVD and host a screening, visit the Buy DVD page.