This is an unbelievably enlightening, refreshing and inspiring look at our immediate world from a Gaian viewpoint. The crises and challenges of our time are seen from the perspective of a living planet, then woven with compellingly clear explanations and insights from a broad, global palette of writers, thinkers and activists who show us that Mother Earth is indeed a living thing and that she will respond when treated as such. When epochal changes occur they need to be examined from a multitude of viewpoints. Peter Charles Downey has given us an indispensable and beautifully crafted work of art that is an essential facet in the shining gemstone of a new human consciousness. For all my years of work in the field I heard, saw and understood issues in ways that were new, fresh and integrating. David Holmgren — as are all those interviewed — is a giant of an emerging consciousness — a prototype of the emerging new species I call Post-Petroleum Human. Anima Mundi lovingly and eloquently does a superb job of presenting our world — and our place in it — in a way that is calming, reassuring, while at the same time allowing us to comprehend and absorb the insanity of the world view held by humankind for thousands of years.
For all the films I have appeared in, Anima Mundi leaves me with a deep personal sense of satisfaction. What the film gave me for the first time was a very clear understanding of where I and my life’s work fit into this emerging consciousness. Finally, I see that I am and have been a warrior for Gaia all along; one of many. Watching this film was a deeply personal and uplifting experience. It is a Must See for all who would help to lead us into a New Paradigm because it so clearly and lovingly shows us the direction we need to go if we are to survive and endure.
Michael C. Ruppert,
Author, Lecturer
Artist, activist, and musician turned filmmaker, Peter Charles Downey, presents an inquiry into the state of the world from a Gaian perspective. He pulls together an eclectic array of imagery alongside a heavyweight roster of interviewees (Vandana Shiva, David Holmgren and Stephen Harding to name a few). Beginning somewhat portentously the film starts with a lament for the world’s current state of health. Setting the scene by exploring the challenges of climate change and peak oil, the solemn presentation shapes up as a fable for future generations. A clever use of archival footage as social commentary sits side-by-side with the clear sighted words of the interviewees. As Stephen Harding forcefully says: “We have to act now. There is no other option but to act right now. Immediately.”
Enter stage permaculture, or, as Holmgren puts it ‘the science of resilience’. The film looks at examples of permaculture in action (specifically in Australia) as well as giving space to the more philosophical aspects of a shift in perspective that permaculture opens. A message no doubts familiar to readers, this vital documentary threads together the topics of energy, economics, climate, ecology, place and population and how permaculture can provide real solutions. Anima Mundi is accessible to newcomers of permaculture as well as those well versed in it. This is important to realise as the potentially overwhelming edifice of these issues can be daunting. Drawing on impassioned interviews, beautifully shot montages and a sprinkling of spirited graphics Anima Mundi illustrates that there is indeed another way of looking at things that needn’t be doom-laden. And by perceiving the soul of the world that little bit more keenly, we might also be able to take a closer look at ourselves.
Phil Moore – writer, filmmaker and permaculture enthusiast.
Published in Permaculture magazine issue 71
Anima Mundi: a call to live in harmony with Gaia.
Review by Martine Joseph of Movie Spirit linked here
Movie Spirit
This film gives a surprisingly enlightened and inspirational view of the world from a Gaian perspective. You do not need to be a follower of Gaia theory to appreciate the way the film presents the challenges our planet faces from the viewpoint of the planet as a living entity. The cast of scientists, activists and thinkers who speak here come from a variety of backgrounds and ideologies, but all agree that Earth is a living thing and like all living things, will respond to being treated with the care and sensitivity you’d offer another human being.
As well as being interesting and informative, the film is gorgeous to look at, reminding us of how precious the natural environment is. Humanity’s view of the world and its place in it is shown here to be insane, and the film urges mankind to evolve as the natural resources dwindle. It’s not an alarmist film, but offers helpful suggestions as to what direction we must move if we are to survive as a species.
Paramount Cinemas New Zealand
Anima Mundi Gaia may not be your goddess, but Australian filmmaker Peter Charles Downey pulls together the nexus of energy, economics, climate change, population and ecology in a way that will give pause for thought. Drawing on interviewees who are clearly passionate but who deliver in calm, non-proselytizing tones, he adds his own touch with telling archival montage and lively graphics.
New Zealand Listener
