(USA/2007—directed by Scott Galloway and Bent Pierson)

One of the year’s most surprising and inspiring documentaries is this portrait of 67-year-old topiary artist Pearl Fryar, who grew up the son of North Carolina sharecroppers. In 1976, Fryar’s attempt to buy a house in an all-white neighborhood was scuttled when a neighbor told him black families were not welcome because they “don’t keep up their yards.” His life took a new direction from that moment on, when – determined to win Bishopville’s “Yard of the Month” award – Pryor’s creativity blossomed in the form of amazing topiary sculptures. His achievement brought him international recognition as well as museum acquisitions of his living works of art. (80 min.)

“Inspiring, yes. But almost as equally funny.” -Richard Propes, Independentcritic.com