The story of Longwood Reimagined—our most ambitious undertaking in a century—is one that spans many years, perspectives, collaborations, and accomplishments. The story is as multi-faceted as the project itself— a reflection of its complexity. In telling its story, we don’t just document what happened along the way—we reveal why it matters. Our newest way to share this extraordinary story is with the new documentary Longwood Reimagined. Filmed over four years, narrated by Emmy Award-winning actress Sheryl Lee Ralph (Abbott Elementary), and directed by Emmy Award-winning documentary storyteller Glenn Holsten of Philadelphia, this sweeping film serves as a cinematic journey and behind-the-scenes look at the transformation of 17 acres within one of the world’s great cultural landscapes. Here, we take a behind-the-scenes look at its creation with Holsten as he shares his vision and process behind the film … and we share with you how you can join us for special screenings here in our Gardens.
A documentary storyteller who creates human-driven films focused on the arts to sciences, Holsten has directed films throughout the world—China to Rwanda, Bosnia to Argentina. Longwood Reimagined serves as the second long-form documentary he has directed for Longwood; the first, Flowing Water, traces the history of Longwood founder Pierre S. du Pont’s inspiration and construction of our Main Fountain Garden, goes behind-the-scenes throughout its revitalization, and culminates in its glorious return.
A view of the West Conservatory, taken from the Main Fountain Garden. Photo by Albert Vecerka/Esto. Courtesy of WEISS/MANFREDI.
Among his additional long-form documentary directing credits are Wyeth; Saint of 9/11; OC87: The Obsessive Compulsive, Major Depression, Bipolar, Asperger’s Movie; and many more. Throughout his incredible portfolio are stories of creativity and the human experience. “I’m organically drawn to the themes of the arts, social justice, and mental health,” shares Holsten. “Each has incredible potential for visual storytelling and overlap in interesting ways.” Holsten is among the creative team of Freshfly, who create visual experiences that evoke emotions and inspire human connections. Holsten has been honored with 16 Mid-Atlantic Emmy Awards and a collection of his work was exhibited in the Philadelphia Museum of Art’s 20th Century Video Gallery.
From the first shovel in the ground to the public opening 44 months later, with Longwood Reimagined viewers meet the minds behind the vision and the many talents who brought it to life. The documentary explores Longwood’s 100-year legacy of gardening under glass and our commitment to world-class sustainability practices culminated in a transformation that is as innovative as it is beautiful.
A bird’s-eye view of our West Conservatory. Photo by Carol Gross.
“When it comes to Longwood Reimagined, the whole project was so immense,” shares Holsten. “There are so many visual intersections. So many stories. Putting all of those images, all of those stories together … being in the Waterlily Court, seeing the peaks of the West Conservatory over the arcade. Moments such as these were all part of a series of gorgeous shapes that took my breath away.”
Director Glenn Holsten, left, at Longwood in 2019. Photo by Bob Doerr.
Holsten’s background in literature serves as a key element of his work and in his remarkable ability to bring together many characters into the narrative form of each work. Longwood Reimagined follows architects, landscape designers, preservationists, and Longwood staff as they envision a dynamic new garden experience. “Weaving together people talking about hope and beauty with beautiful music and scenery? Those are the things I hold onto and need in my life,” shares Holsten. “I’m always glad to be the crafter of those moments and share them with others.”
Through expert interviews, immersive footage, and archival materials, the film reveals how Longwood wove contemporary architecture and landscape design to create bold new spaces—while carefully preserving iconic gardens of the past and carrying forward the spirit and legacy of founder Pierre S. du Pont. “The story always reveals itself,” shares Holsten. “We wanted to make the film deeper than a lovely timelapse. We wanted to give it the depth that was there at Longwood throughout the project.”
Inside the West Conservatory. Photo by Hank Davis.
“I felt a duty to translate the talent at Longwood appropriately … to share how people problem-solved while addressing issues like sustainability and how to make a garden in these times. I admire the gusto of that charge and how it all comes back to du Pont. They dream big at Longwood and it’s exciting to be around.”
Holsten (center right) during an interview with WEISS/MANFREDI principals and lead designers of Longwood Reimagined Marion Weiss and Michael Manfredi (left). Photo by Patricia Evans.
The documentary features insights from such collaborators as architects Marion Weiss and Michael Manfredi of WEISS/MANFREDI, principal Kristin Frederickson of landscape architecture practice Reed Hilderbrand, and Longwood Gardens President and Chief Executive Officer Paul B. Redman, among many others, as they reflect on the complexities of building at the intersection of design, horticulture, and legacy. It also traces the fascinating legacies and visions of du Pont to those of renowned landscape architects Roberto Burle Marx (Cascade Garden) and Sir Peter Shepheard (Waterlily Court).
A peek inside the Cascade Garden. Photo by Hank Davis.
“Filmmaking is, quite honestly, a very selfish pursuit. Feeding on others’ creativity fuels mine. Longwood is a very creative place,” shares Holsten. “You can see and feel everyone’s talents everywhere in the space … and everything has been thought through so carefully and intentionally.”
Twilight in the Bonsai Courtyard. Photo by Hank Davis.
“There’s such immense beauty at Longwood,” he continues. “When I think about the spaces made possible by Longwood Reimagined, they have a physical effect on me. I feel taller when I walk through the West Conservatory, when I’m in the Cascade Garden, when I’m standing before the Waterlily Court, breathing it all in. I want to embrace the spaces, to show both the tiny details and the big ‘wow!’ factor of each. We all need beauty in our lives. It’s so important for our health and well-being.”
Editor’s note: Enjoy special screenings of Longwood Reimagined on our Orchard Lawn on September 19, 20, and 21 at 7 pm. On September 20, join us at 6:30 pm on the Orchard Lawn for a special talk featuring Longwood Gardens President and Chief Executive Officer Paul B. Redman and Documentary Director Glenn Holsten, with the screening immediately following. Guests may set up their own chairs or blankets in the Orchard on these evenings beginning at 5:30 pm. Learn More.
First photo by Becca Mathias.
