The Grove

A Provocative Conversation Starter: Debating The Future Of The National AIDS Memorial
While the documentary "The Grove" runs a mere 57 minutes, it presents a surprisingly even-handed and thought provoking look at both sides of a heated argument. That's not always an easy thing to do, especially in such a short running time, so credit must go to filmmaker Andy Abrahams Wilson and his team for being so fair minded. I'm almost ashamed to admit that I knew very little about the Grove, a small section of Golden Gate Park in San Francisco that has been awarded United States memorial status. Unlike the Vietnam Memorial, however, which has become such a Mecca for travelers worldwide, this shrine to the victims of AIDS flies largely under the radar. Originated as a grassroots volunteer movement two decades ago, there is a real difference of opinions about the future status of this unassuming tribute. Those with a large personal investment want the garden-like area to retain its natural vibe and intimacy while others would like this AIDS memorial to achieve real recognition...

Do not go gently
THE GROVE (Prod./Dir./Filmed Andy Abrahams Wilson, 2011, 57 minutes) is one of the most important documentaries of the era. I'm shocked that few people have seen this at all - I'm only the 3rd reviewer. Though it was screened in 2011, the DVD issue carries the date 2012. How sad.

AIDS. How does it feel to read that, to think about it? How about reliving it? What about memorializing all those victims of it? "The Grove" is short for the National AIDS Memorial Grove in Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, established by Jack Porter.

Few people go there and the ones who do visit and meander around are actually hunting for the famous Japanese Tea Garden. Few are interested in this 7-acre garden, affectionately called "the Grove" by those whose lives include it, and the volunteers who maintain it.

Funny how I had just finished seeing a documentary called "DEATH: IT'S A LIVING" that addressed the modern funeral business and questioned its necessity. THE GROVE is...

Take the extra turn thru Golden Gate, and here to see The Grove!
I really loved this amazing film!

My first impression after watching this, was that I found myself wondering, why I had not heard of nor seen this film before?

For those who can read into it, the film is very much a parable of the Grove itself, a hidden treasure, that does not need to exist in any other way,
or be any longer, or feature anything more or less than it did. It makes it's point on so many levels.

The Grove is well worth the extra turn, that I'm glad I took in Golden Gate, and here as well.

Yours in the Struggle, Adam

Click to Editorial Reviews