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Racist Trees

Play trailer 2:22 Poster for Racist Trees 2022 1h 28m Drama Documentary Play Trailer Watchlist
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Tomatometer 3 Reviews Popcornmeter Fewer than 50 Ratings
Cut off from the glitz and glamor of Palm Springs, and overshadowed by towering sixty-foot Tamarisk trees, lies the historically Black Lawrence Crossley neighborhood. Allegedly planted by the City in the late 1950's to line the 14th fairway of a City-owned golf course, these trees have become the focal point of frustration and animosity for locals who see the trees as an enduring symbol of segregation. For decades, residents have been forced to put up with the tangled overgrowth from a species so invasive, they have been officially categorized as a pest by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Until now. Racist Trees investigates the timely story of racial conflict in an unlikely, liberal pocket of America, uncovering an even darker racist history that few would equate with the city's progressive image. An intimate, sobering, and at times humorous look at the intersection of local politics, news media, race, class, gentrification, and social justice, Racist Trees reveals a microcosm of racial tension that continues to percolate across the country today.
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Racist Trees

Critics Reviews

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Stephen Silver The SS Ben Hecht Succinctly and skillfully shows how the controversy happened, while also conveying a strong sense of place about Palm Springs. Rated: 4/5 Jan 26, 2024 Full Review Valerie Kalfrin AWFJ.org How can trees be racist? In this lively yet thought-provoking documentary, directors and co-producers Sara Newens (Footprint) and Mina T. Son (Top Spin) explore how that all depends on which side of the tree line you are. Jan 24, 2024 Full Review Rob Rector Film Threat Using interviews with residents following the legal case, Newens and Son takes a fascinating look into the debate that does not always point to the expected outcomes. Rated: 7.5/10 Jan 10, 2023 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Greg R Well thought out documentary that made me wish I lived in Palm Springs instead of Florida Rated 4 out of 5 stars 01/23/24 Full Review Read all reviews
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Movie Info

Synopsis Cut off from the glitz and glamor of Palm Springs, and overshadowed by towering sixty-foot Tamarisk trees, lies the historically Black Lawrence Crossley neighborhood. Allegedly planted by the City in the late 1950's to line the 14th fairway of a City-owned golf course, these trees have become the focal point of frustration and animosity for locals who see the trees as an enduring symbol of segregation. For decades, residents have been forced to put up with the tangled overgrowth from a species so invasive, they have been officially categorized as a pest by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Until now. Racist Trees investigates the timely story of racial conflict in an unlikely, liberal pocket of America, uncovering an even darker racist history that few would equate with the city's progressive image. An intimate, sobering, and at times humorous look at the intersection of local politics, news media, race, class, gentrification, and social justice, Racist Trees reveals a microcosm of racial tension that continues to percolate across the country today.
Director
Sara Newens, Mina T. Son
Producer
Andrew Calof, Joanna Sokolowski, Justin Baldoni
Screenwriter
Sara Newens, Joanna Sokolowski
Production Co
Wayfarer Studios
Genre
Drama, Documentary
Original Language
English
Runtime
1h 28m
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