Award-winning film explores dangers of inadequate planning, alternatives to sprawl
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In the Bitterroot Valley, as in the rest of the country, sprawl is in danger of gobbling up the land.
Sponsored by Peter Rosten, candidate for House District 87, a film screening of “Subdivide and Conquer - A Modern Western” will be held next weekend.
It is a cautionary tale of what can happen without adequate planning, according to Rosten.
“Either we plan for the future or the future will plan for us,” Rosten said. “I think everyone would benefit from seeing it.”
Created by Jeff Gersh, the film has won many awards.
“Subdivide and Conquer” looks at one of the most important issues in the modern west and the Bitterroot Valley today - planning for the future to still maintain open spaces.
With powerful images, the film explores what’s happened to the west as more and more people move in and developers cut up the landscape to make way for cookie-cutter houses in subdivisions that only serve to isolate home owners.
“Here in Montana we are facing the same issues,” Rosten said.
Rosten believes that if we can get people to feel strongly and be informed, the planning will go more smoothly as we often become deadened to the sprawl happening around us.
“Do we want to look like this 10 years from now,” Rosten said referring to the film. “I believe that we have to plan for the future but I don’t believe that one size fits all. What may be good for Hamilton may not be good for Darby and we need to go the extra mile. It’s going to take some thought.”
“I want the voters to know what I care about and the fact that there are possible solutions,” he added.
But the film is not just a chronicle of the bad and the ugly, good alternatives are explored. With enough planning, people can opt to live in areas that are true communities with shopping, work and leisure activities close enough to walk to, where people know their neighbors, still maintaining spaces where folks can enjoy the outdoors.
The idea that land is land and there will never be any more created on this earth sends a powerful message.
“Subdivide and Conquer” looks at alternatives that maintain our sense of community, protect the environment and retain open spaces and agricultural areas in an attempt to answer the question, ˜Can you grow and not sprawl?”
Rosten became acquainted with Gersh some 15 years ago when they made a film together called “Keepers of the Fire.”
A Ph.d candidate at the time, Gersh decided he liked film making so much he’s been doing it ever since.
“He turned into an incredibly talented film maker,” Rosten said. “When Jeff made the film he showed it to me in a variety of stages.”
It was such a strong film, Rosten decided that it might be a helpful tool as we in the Bitterroot Valley face some of the same problems with growth.
“And since the arguments are getting so contentious - especially in Darby - perhaps we can look at it and say we don’t want to end up like this,” Rosten said. “We want to get this right.”
Along with the premier at the Pharaohplex on May 3 at noon, smaller screenings will also be held. The 56-minute long film is narrated by Dennis Weaver and was shot in Colorado, Montana, Arizona, Oregon, New Mexico and Utah. The Pharaohplex is located at 582 Old Corvallis Road in Hamilton.
To schedule a screening, or for more information, contact Rosten at www.peterrosten.com or call 370-3745.
Reporter Georgia Kay can be reached at gkay@ravallirepublic.com or 363-3300.
