Saturday, August 3, 2019 at 2:00 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.
Join us for a screening of the documentary Under the Great Oak from director Michael Reynolds. This documentary celebrates the life of the Great Oak tree, which stood on the grounds of the Basking Ridge Presbyterian Church and was a member of the Basking Ridge community for six hundred years. It was the oldest white oak in America.
Sadly, one summer, the leaves turned brown, the tree died and had to be taken down. This documentary explores the impact this mighty oak had on the community at large through interviews and the Great Oak Art Celebration, which brought together artists and members of the community to honor the tree and its place in history.
The Center is hosting two screenings. Each screening will be followed by an informative panel discussion from important members of the community and the team which made the documentary. Attendees will also be treated to a live performance by Gordon Thomas Ward, whose song “Trees” is featured in the film.
Screenings & Tickets
Screening times are 2:00 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.
Tickets are $10 each and will go on sale June 10.
Panel Discussion
Moderated by Dana Reynolds, the documentary’s Executive Producer, the panel includes Sean Kirby, Dr. Tom Ombrello, Michael Reynolds, Gordon Thomas Ward and Sue Zibelli.
Sean Kirby, editor of Under the Great Oak, attended the prestigious Park School of Communications at Ithaca College, majoring in film production. Sean currently works for The Orchard, a music and film distribution company.
Dr. Tom Ombrello, Senior Professor of Biology at Union County College (UCC). Dr. Ombrello teaches a wide variety of courses in the STEM Division, including General Biology, Environmental Science, Zoology, and Plant Science. He created the Historic Tree Grove on the UCC campus.
Dana Reynolds is President of Days Reign Productions, the company that produced Under the Great Oak.
Michael Reynolds studied film at New York University and has worked on a wide variety of independent films and television programs. Under the Great Oak is a passion project combining his love of documentary film with respect for the past and concern for the environment.
Gordon Thomas Ward tours as a solo performer with songs charting in indie, country, and global contemporary charts. Mr. Ward’s song stylings have been influenced by the singer-songwriters of the late 1960s through the 1970s. His song “Trees” features prominently in the film.
Sue Zibelli has been a Trustee of The Historical Society of the Somerset Hills (THSSH) since 2013, and their Chairman since 2015. In her role as Trustee and Chairman, Ms. Zibelli recognizes the responsibility to link the past with the present and the future. She acknowledges the role the arts have in keeping the past alive through cohosting the Great Oak Art Celebration.
UTGO-flyer-w-qrWatch the trailer!
The Center for Contemporary Art and the filmmakers will donate the net proceeds from the screenings to support Dr. Ombrello’s Historic Tree Grove at the Union County College campus. The Historic Tree Grove supplied the sapling that now stands on the grounds of the Basking Ridge Presbyterian Church, grown from an acorn from the Great Oak. This long-term Historic Tree Grove at Union County College is home to over 160 tree species and includes trees from the homes of presidents and other historic figures.
Please follow Under the Great Oak on Facebook @UndertheGreatOak and learn more at the film’s official website: GreatOakMovie.com
