Women's empowerment documentary screens at Prairie Circle Unitarian Universalist Congregation

All are Welcome to this free screening.  Please register for a free ticket, and make a donation if so moved.

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. In an increasingly polarized world, this film specifically sought out low-income societies that were prioritizing happiness and well-being over material accumulation. The screening will be hosted by The Prairie Circle Unitarian Universalist Congregation (PCUUC) 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’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set for 2030. The film takes us to Cuba, the state of Kerala in India, and Slovenia where decades of programs have ensured universal access to healthcare and higher education. The film asks, “Are there dividends to society from ensuring all have a decent life.”

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 well-being, by ensuring that a 16-year-old girl can realize her dreams of becoming a doctor, engineer, teacher, or businesswoman. Discover the process that enabled these changes while journeying to rarely-visited destinations on the screen in this beautifully produced film.

Meet the Filmmakers in an Idyllic Setting

The Prairie Circle Unitarian Universalist Congregation (PCUUC) is excited to share this film with the broader community. Established almost 21 years ago and meeting in the Colby Barn in Grayslake, PCUUC is dedicated to respecting the interconnectedness of all life. This film aligns with this principle, offering valuable insights into our shared existence.

A Q&A session with the co-producer and cinematographer will follow the film's screening. Grayslake resident and owner of World View Productions, Ltd., Bob Maraist, will attend and discuss the filmmaking process.  (Bob was also the co-producer of 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 two dozen universities and government organizations during October and November.

Note: This event is free and open to the public. Special thanks to the Prairie Circle Unitarian Universalist Congregation (PCUUC). Suggested for ages 12 and older

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

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