Award Winning documentary film about Russell’s Garden Center is showing at Wayland High School on April 10 at 7:00 PM. For tickets to “Growing Through Covid-19” go to https://www.showtix4u.com/even
Winning “Best Feature Documentary Film” at the Boston International Film Festival this movie about Russell’s called, “Growing Through COVID-19” was written and directed by 2011 Wayland High School graduate Genevieve Skehan. Nominated for “Best Original Documentary Music Score” at the International Sound & Music Festival in Croatia, the film highlights both the struggles and positive experiences that came out of the Covid pandemic. This uplifting Documentary has only been shown at Film festivals until now. Here’s a review of “Growing Through Covid-19” from an Emmy award-winning movie & theater critic:
“This intimate story of a family and a garden center under siege is supported by beautiful cinematography and underscored by a tender suite of original music. It’s a heartfelt film that offers big insight about the hidden gifts of the pandemic.” Joyce Kulhawik
Director Genevieve has worked in the commercial film industry for a decade and hired a Boston-based professional film crew for this movie. She is thrilled to have her first public screening at Wayland High School where she began her film career her senior year winning a dozen Awards for her first WHS movie, “The Barn”. As a community outreach, a portion of ticket sales at the WHS screening will benefit WayCam. There will be a Question-and-Answer Session immediately following the film lead by Director Genevieve Skehan, Producer Elizabeth Russell-Skehan, and main characters Tim & Dan Skehan. To purchase tickets & watch a trailer visit growingthroughcovid19.com.
At 148 years old, Russell’s Garden Center is one of the oldest businesses in Wayland and it’s the second oldest garden center in the U.S. Through 5 generations Russell’s GC has survived many floods, the great depression, the introduction of the big box stores, competition from Amazon & online stores, and the recession of 2008. However, in the Spring of 2020, with the pandemic raging, the family considered closing their doors forever. The film is about the struggle of a family business and the healing power of gardening.
The Russell family thanks Wayland residents and customers from surrounding communities for helping them through these difficult years and for giving this film a happy ending. If you’re from Wayland or you shop at Russell’s, you’ll likely recognize a lot of people in this film. If you believe in supporting small businesses, your community, nature, gardening, or if you had to adjust your life during the pandemic, this film is for you.
