Awkward spaces in-between freeways, mysterious empty lots, and remote rooftops, capture your imagination as no man’s land, but the films and panelists will reveal a more complex story of careful planning, close collaboration and shared values contributing to productive places. Film screening followed by panel discussion.
Panelists
Robin Abad (Moderator)
SF Planning Department
Sarah Skinker
Urban Agriculture Supervisor, Tenderloin Neighborhood Development Corporation
Russell Blanchard
Director, “The Lot”
Zoey Kroll
Communications, SF Dept of Environment and Board Member, Hayes Valley Farm
Lucia Pohlman
Portola Greenhouse Project
Films
Nomadic Community Gardens
London | 2016 | 7 mins. | Directed by Ross Harrison
Nomadic Community Gardens breathe life into disused parts of cities, which become places where nature and community thrive. This short film shows one such project near Brick Lane in East London.
Brooklyn Farmer
USA | 2015 | 27 mins. | Directed by Michael Tyburski
“Brooklyn Farmer” explores the unique challenges facing Brooklyn Grange, a group of urban farmers who endeavor to run a commercially viable farm across the rooftops of New York City. As their growing operation expands to a second roof, the team confronts the realities inherent in operating the world’s largest rooftop farm in one of the world’s biggest cities.
The Lot
USA | 2016 | 20 mins. | Directed by Russell Blanchard
Grady, a lonely café owner, encounters Christian, a new boy in town shunned by the local kids, when he finds him attempting to build a playhouse on the empty lot across the street. An unlikely friendship grows while Grady steps in to help and teach Christian, through the action of building a park in the empty lot. As they encounter challenges along the way, their relationship is put to the test and Grady must come to grips with a change within himself.
Build The Lot
USA | 2017 | 3 mins. | Directed by Russell Blanchard
The Director of “The Lot” film Russell Blanchard working together with the community to improve an actual vacant lot into a children’s play area.
Partners
