While many films and documentaries delve into the urban culture and lifestyles of Black families, Family Tree takes a unique approach. This documentary not only showcases a couple of families and their cultural dynamic but also delves into their lives in pursuit of the environmental conservation industry, offering a fresh and compelling perspective.

The documentary explores many little-known themes of African American landowners that have been diminishing since the early part of the last century and their strides to maintain private forest land in their families.

Here is the official synopsis:

Family Tree explores sustainable forestry in North Carolina through the stories of two Black families working to preserve their land and legacy. Debut director Jennifer MacArthur’s cinema verité approach reveals the vast task of maintaining the land while navigating challenging family dynamics, unscrupulous developers, and changing environmental needs. The forest itself and the beauty of its changing seasons become a primary character in this family drama.

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LRM Online’s Gig Patta chatted with director Jennifer MacArthur on following the two families on camera, two different storytelling approaches on Black families in forestry, Black family culture, and her experience.

Jennifer MacArthur makes her directorial debut with Family Tree. Previously, she produced the featured documentary Whose Streets?, which premiered at the 2017 Sundance Film Festival and was later sold to Magnolia Pictures. She also produced programs for TIME Studios, Soledad O’Brien Productions, and Anonymous Content.

Family Tree made its premiere at the 2024 Hot Docs Festival.

Watch the exclusive interview with director Jennifer MacArthur below. Let us know what you think of the interview.

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Source: LRM Online Exclusive