'Under the Great Oak' Selected For DWB Film Festival

BASKING RIDGE, NJ — "Under The Great Oak," a documentary about Basking Ridge's historic great oak tree, was selected for the 2019 Docs Without Borders Film Festival.

The film was among 10 from around the world to be selected under the Environmental category for spring 2019.

The feature-length documentary about the 600-year-old oak tree was completed by township local and screenwriter Michael Reynolds. (See Related: Film Preserving Memory Of Basking Ridge's Ancient Oak Completed)

"We are excited to be an Official Selection at this year’s Docs Without Borders Film Festival," Reynolds said. "From the beginning, I have been convinced the story of the Great Oak has a relevance far beyond its local and regional significance. Under the Great Oak explores history, environmentalism, community development, and the role art plays in connecting all these elements. It will be through festivals that this locally-focused and created film can connect with a national and even international audience."

The tree was possibly the oldest white oak tree in the country and was taken down on April 24, 2017 after it died over the summer in 2016 despite efforts of the Basking Ridge Presbyterian Church to preserve it.

• See Related: Tears Flow As 600-Year-Old NJ Tree Is Being Cut Down
• See Related: Basking Ridge's 600 Year Old Ancient Tree Has Died

Reynolds lives 500 yards away from the tree and could see it from his window. A bit of an environmentalist and a member of the Somerset Hills Historical Society, Reynolds wanted to create something to memorialize the great white oak. Thus came the film.

To learn more about the movie visit www.GreatOakMovie.com or facebook.com/underthegreatoak.

(Image via Mike Reynolds)

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