Why was your topic or theme important to you?
In today’s world people from all walks of life find themselves navigating some pretty chaotic waters. Whether it’s social turmoil, ecological crisis, or spiritual conflict/deficit, I think that it’s pretty safe to say we live in turbulent times. For this reason, in my film piece, I ask people to declare the paradigm in which they want to live and coexist. I have unwavering faith in human ingenuity and firmly believe that we can create whatever reality we wish to experience. This sentiment is not coming from a place of wishful thinking or esoteric rhetoric, but an abundance of research, knowledge, awareness, life experience and imagination. I am constantly invigorated by hypothesizing the boundless possibilities we are capable of manifesting as individuals and as a collective. We are going through one of the most profound periods of transformation our species has ever witnessed, and I suggest we start consciously participating in it.
Before this contest, did you consider yourself fairly knowledgeable about global issues? Has this contest opened your eyes in any way?
Before the contest I considered myself fairly knowledgeable about global issues. However, I am constantly humbled by how little I know whenever I investigate further or stumble upon a predicament I had not been aware of before. I know that the many daunting world issues can make it difficult to see a beacon of hope in the distance. Yet I truly believe that we are capable, through collaborative action, of finding creative solutions to any problem.
Did you have any weird, funny, horrible, or in some ways memorable moments during the making of this film for the contest?
During the filmmaking process I was pretty much consumed by the project. I wanted to clearly translate my ideas into the video, and did so with a payment of time and attention. All I can say is that I put my heart, soul, blood, sweat, tears and laughter into this film and I hope it shows.
Anything else you'd like the viewers to know?
If I had one message to the viewers it would be this: From a scientific, spiritual and artistic perspective, I can say with the utmost conviction that anything is possible. We can choose to live in a world where we all develop our individual talents and contribute them to society in our own unique way. We can choose to live in a world where we playfully explore the landscape of contrast that life has to offer. So as we move forward into the 21st century I would hope that we all aspire to something beyond the limits of what we believe is possible, for the borders of our potential will be built only by the boundaries of our imagination.
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Lyrics:
We are the generation of a new millennium
Born into a time of unprecedented transformation
At this critical point in human history we have been given
The role of deciding what direction to take.
We face threats of terrorism, global eco-destruction
Overpopulation, poverty, disease and extinction.
No longer can we rely on the old paradigms of
Isolation, corruption and greed.
A new creed must be declared; One that can be shared.
As we take this great responsibility we've been given
And collectively create a new found world
That we want to live in.
---- ~ ----
Children of 21st century unite!
The world is ours and we don't even need to fight.
'Cause the old folks trying to keep us all under control
Are disappearing like the use of fossil fuels.
So,
We gotta step up to the plate and break a bat,
To take responsibility for fate, so have a chat
With your fellow compatriot and tell them there's a time
Of opportunity to share a better paradigm.
There's thirteen quintessential character traits
(that) make the difference in determining America's fate.
With the rest of the world let's collectively cultivate
An unstoppable crop of fresh homegrown faith.
And if we got problems,
Solve them
As diligent soldiers who fight for their rights
But are not militant.
It takes courage to stand for what you believe in
It's an integrity beyond your logic and your reason.
That's going to lead to freedom of pleasure and expression.
To make a salad take your lettuce and your dressing.
Put two and two together, anything can be done
With some creativity and communication.
We got technology to take energy from the sun
(To) streamline electricity; and that's just one
Sign of hope to show it's only begun
So love each other and remember to have a little fun.
We've arrived at the pinnacle of human history.
We're going to decide if we die or live, you see?
Should you be afraid? Naw, man be grateful
You're bringing new food to humanity's table.
Remember to be ethical in everything you do
Because it bounces off of others like rubber and sticks to you.
It's humility that's going to help you master compassion
And once you know the feeling it will be forever lasting.
Life is a journey, not a destination.
So why not make every minute of it a celebration?
And with the Internet we hear the sound of information
Expanding potential past the boundaries of nations.
Now we need to make us a clear declaration
To look at the system and say we're the generation
That took what we were given and, with imagination
Made the future through a beautiful collaboration.
---- ~ ----
The greatest illusion to ever be pulled over our eyes is this notion of scarcity.
We grow up being taught that there's fundamentally not enough of whatever
But it's simply not true.
And there's a brilliance that's coming out of the woodwork
In all arenas of the world
That's proving to us that we have all that we could ever need or want.
So the question is not "do we have what it takes to be
the greatest generation that ever walked the face of this planet?",
the question is...will we rise to the occasion?
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Rowan North