Holly Square, previously known as the Park Hill Shopping Center, has been a central fixture in Denver’s Northeast Park Hill neighborhood since the 1950s.
Throughout its lengthy history, the area has experienced significant transformations, some of which have led to heightened tension and community struggles.
In the 1980s, Holly Square became a focal point for the Bloods gang, leading to violent confrontations with rival groups.
The situation escalated dramatically in 2008 when the shopping center was firebombed and ultimately destroyed.
In the aftermath, a new community center was established with a strong emphasis on reform and unity within the neighborhood.
However, efforts towards healing were hindered by a tragic incident in 2013 when a local activist fatally shot a Bloods member, an event that drew national media attention.
Julian Rubinstein, writer and director of the acclaimed documentary ‘The Holly,’ saw the potential for a deeper narrative behind the headlines.
Having grown up in Denver and living in New York at the time, Rubinstein recognized that the story went beyond mere sensationalism.
He stated, “I had always wanted to do a story about Denver, but had never found one.
Reading about the shooting in The New York Times, I quickly realized that there were more questions than answers.”
With a book deal in hand, Rubinstein began extensive research, uncovering the rich yet complicated history of the Park Hill neighborhood.
As he delved deeper, he recognized the potential for creating a powerful documentary alongside the book, a realization fueled by his background as a journalist.
Key to the story was Terrance Roberts, a former Bloods member who became a prominent community leader and activist following his involvement in the 2013 shooting.
Roberts played a significant role in the community’s rebound, helping to build the community center and sports facilities on the former shopping center site.
Despite Roberts’ efforts, during the production of the documentary, he was still awaiting trial for the shooting, leaving many questions surrounding the incident unresolved.
Rubinstein noted that the situation situates the narrative in a dynamic phase of community evolution, stating, “They were very much in the process of Act III, so to speak.”
Through his investigative efforts, Rubinstein uncovered critical and concerning aspects of the relationship between local officials, law enforcement, developers, and the community.
The findings in ‘The Holly’ suggest a troubling pattern reminiscent of historical government surveillance programs aiming to undermine the influence of leaders within minority communities.
Rubinstein discussed this alarming parallel, stating, “What I saw in Denver was a systematic and deliberate use of criminal organizations, especially gang informants, to take down community leaders of color.
All this has been carried out by elected officials, law enforcement, and developers.
Among the findings was a clear connection to gentrification and violence.”
Gentrification has emerged as a prevalent topic of discussion, particularly as cities like Denver have witnessed significant demographic shifts since the 1970s.
The impact of gentrification in Denver has accelerated, ranking the city among the top five for its rates since 2010.
Rubinstein explained that while some aspects of gentrification are acknowledged, his documentary also aims to expose how power dynamics can silence marginalized voices.
He remarked, “There were different entities, such as law enforcement, elected officials, and developers, who may not have agreed on everything, but there were concentric circles that were in agreement on certain issues and shared goals.”
These entities, by forming alliances, have been able to propel their agendas, sometimes manifesting in illegal actions involving gang informants.
The sensitive nature of storytelling within tight-knit communities often raises questions of validity and representation.
Rubinstein has faced scrutiny for not being from the neighborhood, yet he maintains that his journalistic integrity and objective approach allowed him to present an authentic narrative.
In fact, many individuals from Park Hill have expressed their support, asserting that an outsider could approach the story with fresh eyes.
He stated, “I saw the story as a journalist and worked hard to tell it.
I know a lot of people from the neighborhood felt that this was the story they hoped would be told, and they appreciated it.”
The reception of ‘The Holly’ has been overwhelmingly positive, with community screenings receiving enthusiastic attendance.
“We had to move another screening to the Elle Caulkins Opera House, which is well over 2000 seats, which was amazing,
Rubinstein expressed.
The audience comprised a significant number of community members and people of color, eager to engage with the film’s message.
The documentary has not only resonated locally but has also garnered critical acclaim at various film festivals.
It received the Audience Award for Best Documentary Feature at the 2022 Denver Film Festival and is recognized for its powerful storytelling and investigative depth.
Rubinstein’s work has drawn comparisons to historic muckraking journalism, likening it to Ida B. Wells and Upton Sinclair’s influential works.
While Chicago has ‘The Jungle,’ Denver now claims ‘The Holly’ as a significant documentary shedding light on community struggles and resilience.
For those interested in experiencing this compelling narrative, ‘The Holly’ is available for streaming on platforms including Apple TV, Amazon Prime, and Tubi.
The book that inspired the film can also be found for those seeking a deeper understanding of the issues presented.
image source from：303magazine
