The Holly

The Holly goes deep inside a gentrifying community in Denver, where a shooting involving an activist becomes a window into the political machinations of urban development, policing and the city's gang activity. Using archival footage shot and provided by community members, the power of cinema is harnessed to illustrate the resilience of this historic neighborhood. Verité footage captured during the ordeal at the center of the film extends the cinematic treatment, portraiting the resilience of a man who symbolizes the community.

Upon the film's release in 2023, the cinematic representation of the story and the community has galvanized similar urban communities—in Durham, Philadelphia, Atlanta, Brooklyn, Salt Lake and others—who have screened it or booked it for upcoming screenings attended by the main subject to discuss ways to fight systemic inequities.

(*Notes: The film began playing festivals in 2022 but was not completed until Feb 3, 2023, when it received distribution.
**While the full film is 102 mins, there are several possible stopping points at 90 mins and earlier to allow for at least 15 mins of questions and still showcase the bulk of the film, particularly pertaining to the conference themes.)