When it comes to the future, we often swim in an ocean of frightening news and predictions trying to make us painfully aware of what humanity has done to the planet. Instead of awakening our collective consciousness and helping us mobilise, the most predominant narrative of our day-to-day conversations, the media and, to an extent, the arts, tends to leave us feeling guilty, hopeless, helpless, or, even worse, desensitize us all together.
Against this bleak background, Demain (2015) emerges as a potent ball of light, drawing from stories of people around the world, from all walks of life, who have successfully tackled social, economic and environmental issues in their communities.
After clearly explaining the scale and urgency of the interwoven challenges that we face globally, Demain (2015) documents the process behind these successful examples, completing the first pages of what I would call A Manual for Saving Life on Earth. The people behind these projects share not only their motives, but also techniques and principles, most often, in enough detail to empower the viewer to replicate the initiative in their own community. This is how I have learned what makes an effective permaculture garden and how, after getting the money needed for investment, of course, it benefits both the environment and the profits.
Against this bleak background, Demain (2015) emerges as a potent ball of light, drawing from stories of people around the world, from all walks of life, who have successfully tackled social, economic and environmental issues in their communities.
After clearly explaining the scale and urgency of the interwoven challenges that we face globally, Demain (2015) documents the process behind these successful examples, completing the first pages of what I would call A Manual for Saving Life on Earth. The people behind these projects share not only their motives, but also techniques and principles, most often, in enough detail to empower the viewer to replicate the initiative in their own community. This is how I have learned what makes an effective permaculture garden and how, after getting the money needed for investment, of course, it benefits both the environment and the profits.
While keeping the focus on the power of ordinary citizens, this documentary also includes examples of politicians and big businesses who have implemented renewable energy systems. Seeing how they not only encourage the green conscience of citizens but actually put their money where their mouth is, even to the extent of stating that “when nations fail apparently citizens have to take over” may come as a pleasant surprise to someone like me who has long lost trust in state institutions and CEOs.
Another aspect that touched me was the soundtrack. Serene and positive, yet powerful and motivating, it matches the overall ambience of the film and aids in the smooth transition between the chapters and places that we’re invited to experience within these two hours. Out of its five themes (food, energy, economy, democracy and education) education stood out to me. As somebody with a BA in Psychology and a strong interest in early life stress and its effects, I applaud the example of alternative education system used in this film. I believe that it is especially powerful as it considers the importance of play, attachment and multifaceted support in early years, without which we would be ignoring the healthy development of the entire society.
Another aspect that touched me was the soundtrack. Serene and positive, yet powerful and motivating, it matches the overall ambience of the film and aids in the smooth transition between the chapters and places that we’re invited to experience within these two hours. Out of its five themes (food, energy, economy, democracy and education) education stood out to me. As somebody with a BA in Psychology and a strong interest in early life stress and its effects, I applaud the example of alternative education system used in this film. I believe that it is especially powerful as it considers the importance of play, attachment and multifaceted support in early years, without which we would be ignoring the healthy development of the entire society.
When talking about democracy, capitalism is quickly mentioned in the context of Iceland’s fight against corruption, though there are no suggestions for an alternative to capitalism upon acknowledging of the Icelandic citizens’ failed reform attempts. In regards to economy, I was excited to learn about alternative currencies currently in use and how communities self-organise and become less dependent on the state, though those living below the poverty line were ignored.
Despite these last two points, I highly encourage you to go and watch this film and see why humanity is not doomed to drown in resignation, disappointment and alienation, and let yourself inspired by what we can achieve when we care about people and the planet.
By Raluca de Soleil
Despite these last two points, I highly encourage you to go and watch this film and see why humanity is not doomed to drown in resignation, disappointment and alienation, and let yourself inspired by what we can achieve when we care about people and the planet.
By Raluca de Soleil