Exploring Sustainable Futures: A Film Event in Camden, Maine
Amid headlines proclaiming a “Decade of Deadly Heat,” the community of Camden, Maine is fervently working towards establishing a sustainable bioregion. Though the task is formidable, the initiative known as “CamdenCAN” has emerged as a central hub for action. As part of their ongoing monthly series, Camden Talks Climate, they are proud to present the Belfast-based filmmaker Jim Merkel along with his enlightening documentary, “Saving Walden’s World.”
Free Screening Event Details
On Thursday, February 20 at 6:30 p.m., the Camden Public Library will host a complimentary screening of the film in the Picker Room, located at 55 Main Street. For more information and to secure your spot, visit www.savingwaldensworld.org.
A Journey Across Cultures
This eight-year cinematic project invites viewers to explore diverse locales such as Cuba, Kerala, and Slovenia—regions often overlooked and frequently misunderstood. Merkel shares, “Sure, we filmed classic scenes of vintage cars and cigars in Havana, but that came after exploring the countryside.” The film provides a critical perspective on U.S. covert operations against communities in Cuba and Kerala that were striving for agrarian reform and literacy programs to lift their populations out of poverty during the 1950s, as the Global South sought liberation from colonialism. Unfortunately, the CIA pursued alternative paths involving devastating violence, with some actions now declassified.
Insights from the Film
Despite enduring a 60-year embargo, Cuba surpasses the United States in child mortality rates, literacy, and life expectancy. For Merkel—a former military engineer and arms dealer grappling with PTSD—this journey had a deeply personal dimension as he confronted the impact of his previous work.
In an increasingly divided world, the documentary focuses on low-income societies that prioritize happiness and well-being above material wealth. It poses the pivotal question: Can fostering a society that benefits all while preserving the environment yield dividends?
Capturing Everyday Life
The viewers watch as Merkel navigates Slovenia’s quaint villages and pedestrian-friendly cities, packing his camera gear onto a borrowed bicycle. He engages in conversations with everyday people, including farmers, feminists, and specialists in welfare and degrowth. Drawing from his working-class background, Merkel highlights how these societies manage to provide child care, healthcare, free university education, and extended maternity leave, all things that seem unattainable for America’s working poor. Notably, Slovenia fares better than the U.S. on multiple fronts—crime rates, child poverty, infant mortality, teen pregnancy, and abortion rates—while upholding unblemished reproductive freedoms.
A Universal Theme of Empowerment
Now based back in Belfast, Merkel has showcased his film at 24 universities and community centers across Kerala, the United States, and 16 international film festivals, where it has received 9 awards. He aims to host numerous community screenings worldwide before potentially releasing the film on streaming platforms.
Initiated in 2015, the film began as a quest for solutions, fostering inquiries and establishing a pattern of research. A unifying theme that emerged during production was that societies investing in women’s empowerment also achieved high human development. Gender equality corresponds with increased rates of college graduation among women, which in turn fast-tracks poverty alleviation and reduces fertility rates.
The Ripple Effect of Women’s Empowerment
Wherever women gain access to education and family planning, they express a preference for fewer but healthier children. This societal shift holds potential for mitigating climate change and easing resource conflicts, provided that those who consume excessively take responsibility for reducing waste.
The fundamental cultural shift of honoring women’s choices while expanding their opportunities may be the transformative key. When a 16-year-old girl envisions herself as a future doctor, engineer, or teacher, it sparks a profound change within her. She not only defers motherhood until after her education but also finds ways to enrich her community, thereby escaping the cycle of poverty.
A Personal Reflection
Having grown up in Kerala, I was fortunate to have mentors pursuing higher education and harboring vibrant aspirations. This environment instilled in me a belief in the power of making a positive difference in the world. Leaving my village for the city was enlightening, underscoring the importance of life balance. Today, I am back in my hometown, close to family yet connected virtually with a filmmaker halfway across the globe—such is the excitement of our times.
Encouraging Collective Action through Film
While many documentaries are crafted to elicit specific emotional responses, the team of Emmy Award-winning filmmakers behind “Saving Walden’s World” is witnessing firsthand how the film empowers viewers to take action. As institutions striving to tackle wealth, gender, and racial inequalities face challenges—both domestically and internationally—the significance of this film escalates.
Engagement at the Screening
At the upcoming screening, local permaculture educator Joline Blais and composer Anna Dembska will join Merkel for a Q&A session and discussion. This event is organized by CamdenCAN (ClimateActionNow), a community-driven initiative dedicated to enhancing local resilience and rejuvenating ecosystems through education, advocacy, and resources.
In Closing
Cuba, Kerala, and Slovenia may not be perfect societies, yet they undeniably benefit from the social advancements achieved through three generations of women gaining access to higher education—regardless of their socioeconomic backgrounds. And that, dear readers, is nothing short of transformative.
Quotes from Thought Leaders
“Jim Merkel presents a unique blend of practicality and idealism: a feasible combination.” — Bill McKibben
“As a former engineer in the arms industry, his words carry extraordinary weight.” — Howard Zinn
Stay Connected
Watch the trailer to learn more about the film’s influence on global sustainability, and follow the journey of “Saving Walden’s World” on Facebook and Instagram. Sign up for updates on upcoming screenings!
