Joanna Macy & The Great Turning

"Arguably the greatest interview of our time with one the wisest women of our time. Heartbreakingly inspiring, practical and transcendental, transformative words that Joanna Macy has conjoined so beautifully in her life and work." 

— Paul Hawken, author of Natural Capitalism

 
 

Joanna Macy and the Great Turning is a short film in which Joanna shares her understanding of these times we live in, when everything we treasure seems to be at risk. The film has screened at film festivals around the world and was featured in the PBS series Natural Heroes.

This is not a film about despair but one about the opportunity we have to come alive to our truest power, to "look straight into the face of our time, which is the biggest gift we can give," and to participate in the Great Turning.

What is the Great Turning? It is, as Joanna describes it, the shift from the industrial growth society to a life-sustaining civilization. It is, she believes, the third major revolution of human existence, after the agricultural and industrial revolutions. This one, though, has to unfold much more quickly. The good news is that it is, all around the world.

“The most remarkable feature of this historical moment on Earth,” says Joanna, “Is not that we are on the way to destroying the world — we've actually been on the way for quite a while. It is that we are beginning to wake up, as from a millennia-long sleep, to a whole new relationship to our world, to ourselves and each other.”

This is a thoughtful, and ultimately hopeful, film for anyone concerned about the future of life on the planet. 

"We imagine they'll look back at us," Joanna says, referring to future generations, "Living in these early years of the third millennium, and say, 'Oh, those ancestors. They were taking part in the Great Turning.'”

Tara Brach, author of Radical Acceptance, says, “This beautiful, wise and evocative film captures the crisis and possibility of our times. The Great Turning is a global awakening to the dis-ease of our planet, our love of life and the revolution that can heal our world. Please watch this, share with all you know, and allow the inspiration and hope to fill your heart. “ 

About Joanna Macy 

Eco-philosopher Joanna Macy, PhD is a scholar of Buddhism, general systems theory, and deep ecology. A respected voice in the movements for peace, justice, and ecology, she interweaves her scholarship with five decades of activism. As the root teacher of the Work That Reconnects, she has created a ground-breaking theoretical framework for personal and social change, as well as a powerful workshop methodology for its application.

Many thousands of people around the world have participated in Joanna's workshops and trainings. Her group methods have been adopted and adapted widely in classrooms, congregations, and grassroots organizing. Her work helps people transform despair and apathy, in the face of overwhelming social and ecological crises, into constructive, collaborative action. It brings a new way of seeing the world, as our larger living body, freeing us from the assumptions and attitudes that now threaten the continuity of life on Earth.

Joanna Macy has inspired thousands of people around the world who teach others about the Great Turning. You can find a lot of great resources at Joanna's website, including all her books, and connect with others on The Work That Reconnects Facebook page.

HOW TO WATCH

Individuals and small groups can watch the film for free below. Institutions can purchase the film through the The Video Project. Questions about film festivals, streaming, and other uses can be sent to Chris Landry.