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Saving Walden’s World: Documentary Details Sustainable Solutions

As the world teeters on the edge of a sixth mass extinction, is there still hope for sustainable solutions? The film Saving Walden’s World says yes—and shows us how. Saving Walden’s World offers a precious commodity—a glimpse of hope with equitable solutions in place today. This film will screen on Saturday, December 7, at 6:30 pm (Doors open at 6:00) at Byron Colby Barn, Prairie Crossing, 1561 Jones Point Rd, Grayslake, IL. Local Chicago-based filmmaker and co-producer Bob Maraist will attend this special screening in person, which includes Q&A sessions following the film. Director Jim Merkel will attend virtually, just back from an extensive film tour in Kerala, India.

Seeking Ways to Avoid a Sixth Mass Extinction

Can we save ourselves from ourselves? What are we leaving for the next generation? These are the questions at the heart of Saving Walden’s World. The film follows Jim Merkel, a one-time military engineer turned author and sustainability champion, as he raises his son Walden in an off-the-grid homestead. Recognizing the peril on the planet, Jim seeks answers in societies meeting or exceeding the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) set for 2030. The film takes us with Jim to Cuba, the state of Kerala in India, and Slovenia. Each destination showcases a range of solutions that reflect the cultures’ means of progress.

Women’s Empowerment is a Common Thread in Building Resiliency

The film began as a study, seeking solutions, asking questions, and developing a pattern of research and exploration. During the filmmaking process, a uniting characteristic became apparent — societies prioritizing women’s status attained a high level of human development. Gender equality accelerated poverty reduction and led to higher rates of women finishing college. From Kerala's cooperative farms to Slovenia's gender-inclusive education system, Saving Walden’s World reveals that women's empowerment is key to building resilient societies. This single cultural orientation significantly contributes to eradicating poverty, universal health care, family planning, and higher education. View the trailer. Discover the process that brings these changes while journeying to these far-flung destinations on the screen in this beautifully produced film.

Meet the Filmmakers in an Idyllic Setting

A Q&A session with the co-producer and cinematographer will follow the film's screening. Prairie Crossing is a community dedicated to sustainable lifestyles and shared values. Prairie Crossing includes a 100-acre organic farm, making it an especially fitting setting for an active discussion of sustainability. Grayslake resident, owner of World View Productions, Ltd. and co-producer of the film, Bob Maraist, will attend and discuss the process of making the film. Director Jim Merkel will bring new ideas to the conversation via live stream. He shares news from Kerala, India, where he traveled with retired UN Diplomat Saji Thomas of the Kerala Forum on United Nations Academic Impact (KFUNAI). They presented the film to over a dozen universities and government organizations during October and November.

Join the conversation, get inspired by solutions already in place, and discover what role you can play in building a more sustainable future. The Unitarian Universalist Church of Prairie Circle co-hosts this event.

WHO: Saving Walden’s World film w/local co-producer Bob Maraist (onsite) & Director Jim Merkel (virtual)

WHAT: Screening, w/Filmmaker & Director Q&A

WHERE: Byron Colby Barn, Prairie Crossing, 1561 Jones Point Rd, Grayslake, IL

WHEN: Saturday, December 7, 6:30 PM, Doors 6:00 PM-8:30

TICKETS: SavingWaldensWorld.org

Film trailer: https://youtu.be/an4LqG9mLlM?feature=shared

What Leaders Are Saying:

"Jim Merkel offers a special mix of practicality and idealism: a workable mix." — Bill McKibben

"As a former engineer working on weapons, his words have a special power." — Howard Zinn

Join the Conversation Follow our journey on Facebook and Instagram. Sign up for the latest news and upcoming screenings. Watch the Trailer here.

Learn more about the UN’s new pact for the future:
Link to UN Pact