Courtesy The Economics of Happiness
The Economics of Happiness documentary explores local efforts taking place worldwide.
In an appropriate follow-up to the cheer of the holiday season, the creators of The Economics of Happiness, a one-hour documentary about the worldwide movement for economic localization, will launch its first screenings in North America.
The newest production from Helena Norberg-Hodge, founder and director of the International Society for Ecology and Culture, The Economics of Happiness demonstrates that millions of people are already engaged in building a better world. The film shows countless small-scale initiatives around the world exploring potential solutions to the multiple crises we face—climate change, economic meltdown, and personal sufferings, such as stress, loneliness and depression. These initiatives are united around a common cause: rebuilding more democratic, human-scale, ecological and local economies—the foundation of an “economy of happiness.”
Some of the local efforts profiled in the film range from urban gardens in Detroit, Mich., the Transition Town movement in England, community development in Japan and ecological development in Ladakh. The film features acclaimed environmentalists, scholars and authors, including Vandana Shiva, Bill McKibben, David Korten, Juliet Schor and Richard Heinberg.
Screenings of The Economics of Happiness will begin on Jan. 11, 2011, in Seattle, and continue across the country in five more events, ending in New York on Jan. 27, 2011. Each screening will be followed by a presentation or panel discussion with Helena Norberg-Hodge and other special guests. See details on each event below.
Jan. 11
Town Hall
1119 8th Ave.
Seattle, WA 98101-2738
The film begins at 6:30 p.m. and will be followed by a panel discussion with Norberg-Hodge and authors David Korten and John de Graaf. Other panelists to be announced.
Jan. 13
David Brower Center (Goldman Theater)
2150 Allston Way
Berkeley, CA 94704
The film begins at 6:30 p.m. and will be followed by a panel discussion with Norberg-Hodge, author Richard Heinberg, Jenny Kassan of the Sustainable Economies Law Center, Rosa González of Bay Localize and Eric Holt-Gimenez of Food First.
Jan. 21
First Unitarian Church of Portland
1011 SW 12th Ave.
Portland, OR 97205
The film begins at 7 p.m. and will be followed by a discussion with Norberg-Hodge.
Jan. 24
University of Toronto (William Doo Auditorium)
45 Willcocks St.
Toronto, ON M5S 3G3
The film begins at 5:30 p.m. and will be followed by a discussion with Norberg-Hodge.
Jan. 26
The Garrison Institute
14 Mary’s Way
Garrison, NY 10524
The film begins at 7 p.m. and will be followed by a talk with Norberg-Hodge.
No reservations required, but an RSVP is appreciated to help anticipate attendance. Please call 845-424-4800 or email garrison@garrisoninstitute.org
Jan. 27
Cooper Union (The Great Hall)
7 East 7th St.
New York, NY 10003
The film begins at 6:30 p.m. and will be followed by a panel discussion with Norberg-Hodge; Judy Wicks, co-founder of the Business Alliance for Local Living Economies; Gloria Steinem, writer and co-founder of New York and Ms. magazines; and Stacy Mitchell, author and senior researcher with the New Rules Project.
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