DOCUMENTARY FILM DEPICTS ORANGE GROVE LIFE
By Space Coast Daily // January 28, 2013
Free Premiere Screeening On Sunday
BREVARD COUNTY • MELBOURNE, FLORIDA – Filmmaker and Director of Brevard County Libraries Jeff Thompson will present a free premiere of his 41-minute documentary film The Florida Suite this coming Sunday.
The film will be screened at 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 3 at the Scott Center for the Performing Arts at Holy Trinity Episcopal Academy at 5625 Holy Trinity Drive in Melbourne.
It is without dialogue, edited entirely to the music of Frederick Delius, who after spending time on a Jacksonville orange “plantation” composed and dedicated a four-movement symphonic suite to the people of Florida.
Thompson’s short film depicts the life of retired Brevard attorney Andrew Graham who lives in a log cabin and farms a small North Brevard orange grove without the benefit of chemicals, pesticides or irrigation.
With three dogs for companions, he nurtures the land in the 100-year-old grove, which responds with bounty.
The Florida Suite acquaints the modern viewer with the rewards of living in rhythm with nature.
Also a part of the story is Graham’s own mother, whom he took to live with him in the grove after she was diagnosed with Alzheimers.
Thompson’s film examines the role of caregiver as one more aspect of a natural existence.
Filmmaker Jeff Thompson is the son of Andrew Graham.
“I knew that I wanted to honor what I saw as a unique existence in the grove,” said Thompson. “I wanted foremost to show the inherent dignity of caring for the things and people you love. To understand that aging and slowing down allows for a revelation of life’s greater truths. And to honor the musical genius of Frederick Delius, who crossed the Atlantic 120+ years ago and was moved to learn the art of composition so that he could express his love for Florida.”
Thompson believes The Florida Suite will strike a chord for all those who recognize the beauty of life lived close to the land.
“Living in the grove has been transformational for my Dad. I hope this short film will help modern audiences appreciate the slower rhythm of a life synchronized with nature. Delius really said it best,” Thompson said. “In Florida, through sitting and gazing at nature, I gradually learned the way in which I should find myself.”
Admission to the movie premiere is free, although donations will be accepted for the Brevard Alzheimers Foundation, which operates the Joe’s Club adult day care facilities.
For more information, call 321-426-5833 or visit www.Facebook.com/
