KU student groups E.A.R.T.H. and Environs are teaming up with Lawrence's best independent media outlet Films for Action to bring a week of events, March 31st through April 3rd.
March 31st- "The Power of Community" is showing at 7 pm on the top floor of the Ecumenical Christian Ministries, 12th and Oread. $1-2 donations appreciated.
Synopsis: "When the Soviet Union collapsed in 1990, Cuba's economy went into a tailspin. With imports of oil cut by more than half - and food by 80 percent - people were desperate. This film tells of the hardships and struggles as well as the community and creativity of the Cuban people. They share how they transitioned from highly mechanized agriculture to using organic farming and urban gardens. The film opens with a short history of Peak Oil, a term for the time when world oil production will reach its all-time peak and begin to decline forever. Cuba, the only country that has faced such a crisis, is an example of options and hope."
April 1st- "An Inconvenient Truth"...the slideshow Al Gore presented in this Academy Award and Nobel Peace Prize winning documentary is being presented live by Dr. David Gordon, Associate Professor in Biology at Pitt State University at 7 pm on the top floor of the Ecumenical Christian Ministries, 12th and Oread. $1-2 donations appreciated.
April 2nd- "What a Way to Go: Life at the End of Empire" is showing at 7 pm on the top floor of the Ecumenical Christian Ministries, 12th and Oread. $1-2 donations appreciated.
Synopsis: "This is a disturbing, compassionate, sometimes humorous personal essay about coming to grips with climate change, resource crises, environmental meltdown and the demise of the American lifestyle. Friends and experts analyze historical, social and psychological factors driving us toward human extinction. Bennett's ruthless assessment challenges the audience to face terrifying times with courage and integrity."
April 3rd- "The 11th Hour" is showing at 7 pm in Alderson Auditorium of the KS Union on Jayhawk Blvd. This film is being sponsored by the Tree Media Film group.
Synopsis: "'The 11th Hour' is the last moment when change is possible. The film explores how we've arrived at this moment -- how we live, how we impact the earth's ecosystems, and what we can do to change our course. Featuring ongoing dialogues of experts from all over the world, including former Soviet Prime Minister Mikhail Gorbachev, renowned scientist Stephen Hawking, former head of the CIA R. James Woolsey and sustainable design experts William McDonough and Bruce Mau in addition to over 50 leading scientists, thinkers and leaders who discuss the most important issues that face our planet and people."
Following the showing of "The 11th Hour" food will be provided by Local Burger and a panel discussion including Nancy Jackson of The Land Institute's Climate and Energy Project, Professor of History Dr. Donald Worster, Professor of History Dr. Karl Brooks, Professor of Anthropology Dr. Jane Gibson, Professor of Atmospheric Science Dr. Johannes Feddema, and Stefan McGuire of Tree Media and Co-Producer of the "The 11th Hour" will take place.