Normal Is Over 1.1

Normal Is Over 1.1 is a thought-provoking, award-winning documentary narrated and directed by Dutch filmmaker and former war correspondent, Renée Scheltema. The film not only identifies the wide range of ala,rming environmental, economic, and social issues that currently plague our world but also presents innovative solutions to these pressing challenges. Featuring Lester Brown and Charles Eisenstein, among others, the movie embarks on an eye-opening journey that firmly places the current global predicionment in perspective.

In the documentary, Lester Brown, a renowned environmental analyst and author, presents his deep understanding of the planet's environmental health and elucidates the dire consequences of continuing our current practices. Known for his advocacy for a sustainable society, Brown provides substantial insights into the intricacies of the global food supply and presents compelling arguments around the need to reform our global food systems.

Simultaneously, the film presents transformative author and speaker Charles Eisenstein, who offers profound philosophical insights into our interconnectedness with the world around us. Eisenstein challenges traditional notions of 'normal' and argues for an understanding of nature that recognizes its inherent value beyond human needs and wants.

Normal Is Over 1.1 is more than just a journey through the depressing realities of climate change, endangered species, and harsh inequality. It is also a journey through the solutions and the people behind them. These include developing sustainable systems that can replace the old, reviewing economic and monetary systems that are deeply entwined with ecological crises, and using education as a tool to bridge the knowledge gap and foster understanding.

Renée Scheltema explores the dominant but dying age of fossil fuels and correlates geological evidence with anthropogenic activities. Furthermore, she scrutinizes the role of our economic systems, particularly shedding light on the perils of continuous growth models in a world with limited natural resources. Her analysis points towards a need for systemic change in how we consume, invest and live on a daily basis.

Part of what makes this documentary unique is its commitment to transforming fear into action. Offering a moving and tangible testimony of human resilience and creativity, it showcases a range of people burdened by the failures of the current system and yet inspired to make real change. These are farmers shifting towards organic and sustainable practices, financial professionals encouraging social responsibility in investing, educators teaching the next generation about sustainability, and innovators pushing the envelope of what's possible in renewable energy.

Normal Is Over 1.1 details the implications of being caught in the Anthropocene age and questions our collective 'business as usual' mindset. It advocates for increasing community resilience, change in consumption behavior, and economic reforms such as carbon taxing. It delves into the complexities of population growth, food security, the growing gap between rich and poor, the politics of oil, and the power of local economies.

The film does not just stop at outlining problems; it also proposes a range of burgeoning movements and innovative concepts that show promise in addressing these global crises. The documentary captures countless ingenious alternatives to the norm, providing hope that substantial change is within reach. Some key solutions explored include green buildings, permaculture, circular economies, soil regeneration, renewable energy, and sustainable agriculture.

Through moving dialogues, striking visuals, and behind-the-scenes footage, the film engages with audiences on a deeper level, encouraging them to rethink the systems we live in and consider more sustainable and compassionate alternatives that exist.

While the film covers a number of heavy, even overwhelming topics, it ultimately leaves you feeling inspired and motivated. Normal Is Over 1.1 does not shy away from the immense challenges we face, and it does not offer any easy answers. It does, however, present a wealth of information and insight, and it may leave viewers feeling educated, empowered, and motivated towards global and local change.

In essence, Normal Is Over 1.1 is the type of film you watch if you need a wake-up call about the state of our world, but also the hope and inspiration to change it. It's a compelling blend of intellectual analysis, emotional weight, and visionary hope that makes for an overall enriching viewing experience.