City of Trees is a 2015 documentary film directed by Brandon Kramer. The movie focuses on the lives of three individuals who participate in a program called "Green Teams", which offers them the opportunity to learn new job skills while working on community-based environmental projects in the Washington D.C. area. The first subject we meet is Steve Coleman, a father of four who has recently been released from prison. Unable to find employment due to his criminal record, he jumps at the chance to join the Green Teams program, even though he has little experience in environmental work. Through the program, he learns to plant trees, build rain gardens, and even build a cob bench, which he proudly shows off to his family.
We also meet Tammy Wright, a single mother of three who is struggling to make ends meet. She too has little experience in environmental work, but with the help of the Green Teams program, she learns to operate heavy machinery and becomes certified in lead removal. Her newfound skills help her secure a job with a local construction company, which allows her to better support her family.
The final subject we meet is Karen Loeschner, a recent college graduate who wants to make a difference in the world. She joins the Green Teams program as a way to gain experience in environmental work and to make connections in the field. Through the program, she learns how to lead a team and manages a project to plant over 400 trees in a community park.
Throughout the film, we see the challenges and rewards that these individuals face as they participate in the program. We also see the impact that their work has on the environment and the community. For example, we see how the rain gardens they plant help prevent flooding and how the trees they plant help improve air quality and provide shade for residents.
The filmmakers do a great job of highlighting the personal stories of the three individuals while also providing insight into the broader issues of unemployment, poverty, and environmental degradation. They use beautiful cinematography to showcase the natural beauty of the D.C. area and juxtapose it with scenes of urban blight.
Overall, City of Trees is a moving and inspiring documentary that highlights the importance of community-based environmental work and the positive impact it can have on individuals and communities. By following the personal stories of three individuals, the film offers a humanistic perspective on issues that are often discussed in a more abstract or politicized way. The film's powerful message and stunning visuals make it a must-watch for anyone interested in environmental issues or social justice.
City of Trees is a 2015 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 16 minutes.
It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.5.