Far from the old institutions of power, people are starting to forge a very different future …
Join the Lowell Film Collaborative and Lowell Parks & Conservation Trust for the 4th film of “Land, Air & Water,” our 6-month Eco Film Series that continues through June 2013! In the groundbreaking, award-winning documentary The Economics of Happiness, we’ll experience a provocative film created in two distinct parts: In part one, we see the roots of globalization and how big business actually breeds cultural self-rejection, competition, and divisiveness. However, in contrast, the second half offers us not only hope and inspiration, but also a SOLUTION. Come experience an evening of film with a positive message of global unity, progress, and the goodness of humanity!
Tuesday, April 30 @ 6:30PM | Doors @ 6PM
Lowell National Historical Park Visitor Center • 246 Market Street
(free parking in the VC parking lot at 304 Dutton Street)
Free admission, but donations are gratefully appreciated!
THE ECONOMICS OF HAPPINESS (2011)
Not Rated | 67 mins
Written & Directed by Helena Norberg-Hodge, Steven Gorelick, John Page
> TheEconomicsofHappiness.org
> On Facebook
> @EconofHappiness
“A powerful new film that cuts deeply to the heart of the global crisis. Magnificent!”
– David Suzuki, television presenter and environmentalist
A Note from the Directors: “At the International Society for Ecology and Culture, we have spent the last three decades raising awareness of the underlying causes of the many crises we face today. From climate change to terrorism, financial insecurity to the epidemic of depression – we have argued that most of our most pressing problems can be traced back to an unsustainable global economic system. More importantly, we have pointed to a strategic way to address these problems simultaneously: economic localization.
The Economics of Happiness offers not only a big-picture analysis of globalization, but a powerful message of hope for the future. The thinkers and activists we interviewed for the film come from every continent, and represent the interests of the great majority of people on the planet today. Their message is unambiguous: in order to respect and revitalize diversity, both cultural and biological, we need to localize economic activity. They argue that a systemic shift – away from globalizing economic activity and towards the local – is an almost magic formula that allows us to reduce our ecological footprint while increasing human well-being.
We have found the process of making this film incredibly inspiring. Simply to see the multitude of grassroots movements afoot has been heartening – a testimony to human goodwill and resilience. We hope that The Economics of Happiness will bring the same inspiration to viewers around the world. It provides insight, hope, reassurance and above all, motivation to join in the growing localization movement. Bringing the economy closer to home can not only save us from environmental and economic catastrophe, it can help us to re-discover those essential relationships – both with the living world and with one another – that ultimately give our lives meaning and joy.”
– Helena Norberg-Hodge, Steven Gorelick, John Page
> View/download the “Land, Air & Water” Eco Film Series Brochure (PDF)
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This event is partially supported by a grant from the Lowell Cultural Council, a local agency funded by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a stage agency.
lowellfilmcollaborativema.org 