People Are Trees follows the journey of a new homeowner (Ashley) who decides to cut down the tree in her front yard due to safety concerns. She soon discovers that the tree she cut down holds sentimental value for members of her community, including Ms. Trena Diles, who planted the tree and lived in the house for twelve years. Feeling remorseful for what she had done, Ashley creates a tree sculpture that pays homage to Ms.Trena and her beloved tree.

This film was created as part of NOVAC’s 2022 Community Filmmaker Cohort.

Written & Directed by Ashley Jones / Produced by NOVAC / Animation by Jillian Godshall / Cinematography & Editing by Alejandro de los Rios

Supported by Foundation for Louisiana, SouthArts, the National Endowment for the Arts, Louisiana Office of Cultural Development, Division of the Arts, and Jazz & Heritage Foundation

Premiered at the New Orleans Film Festival 2022