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Grove Film Wins
Best Documentary at the DIGit
EXPOSITION
Grove Film Wins
Best Documentary at the DIGit
EXPOSITION,
Delaware Valley (New York) Arts Alliance
Don't Box Me In - A
Coconut Grove Story
by Richard Fendelman of Expect a Miracle
Productions
has been awarded Best Documentary at
this year's DIGit Exposition,
A Week of Media, Movies, Video Art &
Nature, August 19-27, sponsored by
the Delaware Valley Arts Alliance.
The documentary chronicles the efforts
by Coconut Grove residents to
protect their quality of life from the
unwanted advances of "big box" retailer,
The Home Depot. The 35-minute movie
depicts what director Richard
Fendelman calls
"development-friendly" politicians
pitted against neighborhood people of
all walks of life- from artsy types to
the affluent, united in their
determination to keep Home Depot's
"BIG BOX"
out of their idyllic waterfront village.
Coconut Grove, the oldest settlement in
South Florida, is famous for its
beautiful sailboat-filled bay, its lush
tropical foliage, and is home to the
renowned Coconut Grove Arts Festival,
the biggest street art festival in the
country.
The Grove First, a group of
concerned residents under the leadership
of long-time community activist Marc
Sarnoff, financed the production
with the help of private donations.
Al Norman, author of Slam
Dunking Wal-Mart, was guest
speaker at the premiere screening of
the film in October, 2005. He said,
"This event is one of the most creative
and entertaining anti-big box events I
have ever attended. I am honored to be
part of the film."
In typical typical Grove fun-loving
irreverence, the film had its "world
premiere" at the historic, limestone
building that has served as the Woman's
Club of Coconut Grove since 1921. The
affair was complete with red carpet and
search lights awaiting an array of
glittering Grove "celebrities" who
emerged in full look-alike costumed
regalia from the village's signature
rickshaws.
Those who missed out on the fun can
catch the film at the DIGit Exposition
in Suffolk County, New York when it
plays during the week of August 19-27,
or stay tuned for another chance to come
to a big screen event in Coconut Grove.
In the meantime, copies can be obtained
for a small donation by emailing
mcconnell28@msn.com. The
donation goes to the continued fight to
keep the Grove safe from Home Depot.
The DIGit EXPOSITION is the film
making program sponsored by DVAA -
Delaware Valley Arts Alliance,
founded in 1976, that serves as
Arts Council for Sullivan County,
N.Y. Their mandate is to lead
collaborations that advance the arts; to
encourage and support cultural programs
relevant to all citizens, and to provide
services to individual arts, arts
organizations, and the area's arts
community.
www.artsalliancesite.org
for more information, contact
Sue McConnell, info@thegrovefirst.com
305-442-9235
mcconnell28@msn.com
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