WPBT2's latest high definition production, VIZCAYA, is
a fascinating journey into the remarkable history, and perhaps even
more remarkable survival of Miami's National Historic Landmark site.
The one hour documentary will premiere on May 21, 2009 at 8:00 p.m. on
WPBT2. VIZCAYA, narrated by actor and Miami resident, Andy Garcia,
details the incredible vision of James Deering in constructing Vizcaya
and the astounding confluence of talent that made it possible– and that
made it unique in its time as well as today.
"This documentary about Vizcaya is the first of its kind. Never before has an all-encompassing documentary about this National Historic Landmark been created," said producer Linda Corley.
Documentary filmmaker Corley, who has a background in the arts, decorative arts and architecture, has long been drawn to the enchantment, the mystery and the beauty of Vizcaya. "I thought long and hard about it and it is an amazing story, from its envisioning to its completion," said Corley. "When people visit the house, they ooh and aah about the paintings, carpets, tapestries, etc., but visitors don't seem to understand what it took to build the house."
In order to tell the story of Vizcaya, Corley conducted extensive interviews with a wide array of sources: authors Witold Rybczynski and Laurie Olin; historian Arva Moore Parks; University of Miami professor of Architecture Joanna Lombard, and Vizcaya curator Flaminia Gennari-Santori.
Corley also interviewed heirs of J.J. Bennett, a land surveyor and engineer who was the first man Deering hired and the last to leave the project, and the children of unofficial Vizcaya historian, Eustace Edgecombe, who worked at Vizcaya from 1915 to the mid-1960s.
Overcoming immense obstacles to its building and ongoing challenges, Vizcaya has indelibly imprinted itself upon the history and culture of South Florida. Said Vizcaya Executive Director Joel Hoffman: "Vizcaya has endured many challenges from its creation through to its ongoing preservation. We are now the stewards of this local treasure and National Historic Landmark. And we are pleased to have the opportunity to share the story of James Deering's extraordinary estate with people around the world."
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