1ST PLACE - Latest Generation Film Contest

1ST PLACE

The Garden of Eden Documentary

Ryan Schuckman

Hays, Kansas

Director’s Statement:

"This documentary focuses on the unusual house in Lucas, Kansas known as “The Garden of Eden.” The Garden of Eden’s story revolves around a man named Samuel P. Dinsmoor who defiantly built massive three-story tall religious and political structures in his front yard despite his neighbors’ disapproval. Nearly a century later, Lucas is home to many unique art installations around town and is a haven for artists like Dinsmoor who embrace their unique identity. By telling this story, I hope to show how people’s perceptions and opinions can change over time and illustrate how people can find a community of like-minded individuals in nearly anything."

Quotes From Reviewers:

"What a fascinating story, and it seems that roughly 100 years later, the artist's work is still relevant today. This film is very inspiring about the intersection of art and culture with everyday life and how it can influence politics and societal struggle."

"This story has a deep history that is important to our country and still relevant today, and is also very relevant to On This Land. The filmmaker does a nice job with the storytelling structure, especially with the hook at the beginning -- by the time the title sequence hit, I really wanted to hear this story!"

"I think this film project excels in its command of its historical topic, its originality, and storytelling. I also appreciated the clarity and thoughtfulness that seemingly went into the research. The narrator also did a nice job, in my opinion, connecting this important historical artifact to broader historical currents that situate it."