Jens Jensen the Living Green (2013)

In 'Jens Jensen The Living Green' follows the career of Danish-born JENS JENSEN (1860 - 1951) from street sweeper, to 'dean of landscape architecture', to pioneering conservationist. Jensen battles corruption and unbridled industrial expansion to make the modern city livable by bringing 'the living green' into the wretched lives of Chicago's workers. Striking cinematography and an evocative soundtrack illuminate colorful witness from Prairie School architect ALFRED CALDWELL and an intensely reflective interview with JENSEN. Today, residents of underserved communities still suffer the effects of 'park deserts' and 'food deserts' - but the healing power of nature is recognized. Jensen leveraged his relationships with FRANK LLOYD WRIGHT, HENRY FORD and JULIUS ROSENWALD to stop the steel mills from industrializing the entire shoreline and preserve native Midwestern landscapes.