Inspirational Documentaries That Will Give You Hope For A Green Future!
Have you noticed the rise in apocalyptic themes in media – or even in real life?
We want you to hit pause on the doom and gloom and take a look towards some real-world HOPE and ACTION!
We’ve compiled this short blog with direct links to some of the best inspirational documentaries to help you envision a hopeful future.
You can stream these films for free but please consider visiting the website of the filmmakers to make a donation to support their projects.
1. The Economics of Happiness (2011)
The Economics of Happiness describes a world moving simultaneously in two opposing directions. On the one hand, government and big business continue to promote globalization and the consolidation of corporate power. At the same time, people around the world are resisting those policies – and, far from the old institutions of power, they’re starting to forge a very different future. Communities are coming together to re-build more human-scale, ecological economies based on a new paradigm – an economics of localization.
Please consider supporting their work by making a donation to the filmmakers, Local Futures here.
2. The Third Industrial Revolution: A Radical New Sharing Economy (2018)
The global economy is in crisis. The exponential exhaustion of natural resources, declining productivity, slow growth, rising unemployment, and steep inequality, forces us to rethink our economic models. Where do we go from here? In this feature-length documentary, social and economic theorist Jeremy Rifkin lays out a road map to usher in a new economic system.
A Third Industrial Revolution is unfolding with the convergence of three pivotal technologies: an ultra-fast 5G communication internet, a renewable energy internet, and a driverless mobility internet, all connected to the Internet of Things embedded across society and the environment.
This 21st century smart digital infrastructure is giving rise to a radical new sharing economy that is transforming the way we manage, power and move economic life. But with climate change now ravaging the planet, it needs to happen fast.
Change of this magnitude requires political will and a profound ideological shift.
Learn more about the film here.
3. India's Healing Forests: Come Home, Be Healed (2019)
All our knowledge comes from nature and yet nature is a source of many mysteries.
India is a country of breathtaking natural beauty. What is less known is India’s wealth of ancient knowledge about connecting with nature to create a more meaningful life. Travel with us on a journey through lush rainforests, sacred groves, cloud forests, city forests, food forests and deep valleys of the Himalayas to unravel some of these mysteries.
The film unfolds through inspiring stories of people whose lives are intricately woven with forests. Through their insights as well as new scientific findings we explore the remarkable healing powers of nature.
We hope to leave you with a feeling of calm and clarity, and some important clues to help you solve one of the greatest mysteries of your life – How to create a healthier, happier life for yourself and your loved ones.
The forests are waiting.
Come home.
Learn more about it here.
4. What's a Colloquium? An Oral History of the Natural Building Movement (2020)
A small band of natural building enthusiasts and outlaws met in a field over 20 years ago at something they called a ‘colloquium’. The movement they created has grown uncontrollably ever since; reviving and innovating ancient building techniques and training thousands in the essential, empowering art of building.
Now, as the world faces resource scarcity, increasing climate refugees and 3 billion more people on the way, this tiny backwoods movement prepares for the mainstream. Join these merry pioneers as they celebrate their successes; sharing stories, techniques and wisdom as they brace to meet the needs of a world in crisis.
Learn more about the film here.
5. Rundown Apartments Reborn as Food-Forest Coliving Agritopia (2021)
In 2007, Ole and Maitri Ersson bought the rundown Cabana apartment complex in the city and immediately began to de-pave parking spaces to make space for what today is a huge permaculture coliving space and urban food forest. Today, the Kailash Ecovillage has 55 residents who all help farm where there was once pavement, grass, a swimming pool, and an overgrown weed patch.
Learn more about the Kailash Ecovillage here.
6. Inner Climate Change: The Change Starts Within You (2020)
This is the documentary INNER CLIMATE CHANGE, a Findhorn Foundation production inspired by the people who participated in the April ‘19 Climate Change and Consciousness conference held at the Findhorn Foundation, Scotland. The one-hour film weaves a touching and often intimate narrative from their personal insights and resolutions in the face of inner and outer climate change.
Among those featured in the film are Vandana Shiva, Charles Eisenstein, Jonathon Porritt, Xhiutecatl Martinez and Polly Higgins (RIP). Many more youngers and elders from around the world add their voices to the call for us to stand up as the creators of our reality.
6. Inner Climate Change: The Change Starts Within You (2020)
This documentary launched in February this year. It’s produced by BASF Canada
and our Community Member, Bullfrog Power.
The opportunities and challenges of implementing a circular economy are explored.
Our Green Act Business Member, Club Coffee also featured.
Are you feeling inspired?
Take those hopeful feelings and start a green conversation!
One of the best ways to take action on climate change is to talk about it – why not start today?
If you are nervous about where to start, learn How To Have Effective Climate Conversations – According To Experts
If you are looking for other green activity ideas check out 6 Eco-friendly Date Ideas Greenlit By The Planet
Share your favourite inspiring documentaries on socials along with this article.
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