In this episode, Damon Gameau, actor and filmmaker behind ‘That Sugar Film’ and ‘2040’, discusses the film industry's approach to climate change, the need for a utopian vision of the future, and how understanding human psychology can create a better future for people and the planet.
Damon Gameau's film '2040' reframes the narrative around climate change, presenting a future of abundance and new possibilities
Negative information overload on climate change shuts down problem-solving and creativity, emphasizing the need for a positive reframing
Gomow's films provide accessible storytelling and actionable resources to empower individuals and communities to make positive changes
Deep dives
Shifting the Conversation to Fact-Based Dreaming
Damon Gomow's documentary film, 2040, aims to change the narrative around climate change from fear-based to fact-based dreaming. Rather than perpetuating an insurmountable challenge, Gomow explores a future with abundance, nature, and new possibilities. By intervening in the powerful imagery often depicted in Hollywood films, Gomow presents an alternative version of the future that inspires hope and motivates viewers to take action.
Understanding the Impact of Negative Information
Researching the film, Gomow discovered the impact of negative information overload on people's ability to engage with climate change. The constant exposure to negativity and overwhelming information activates the limbic system, shutting down the prefrontal cortex responsible for problem-solving and creativity. Gomow recognized the need to reframe the narrative and shift the emphasis from deprivation and sacrifice to creating better communities, healthier food, and an exciting new world. By doing so, he aims to activate the prefrontal cortex and inspire positive action.
Audioactivism and Creating Change
Gomow's films, such as That Sugar Film and 2040, go beyond traditional documentaries by providing accessible storytelling and actionable resources. He emphasizes the importance of creating active content that enables viewers to take immediate steps after watching the film. The impact campaigns associated with his films include curriculum materials for schools, online platforms for individual climate action, and corporate toolkits, all designed to empower individuals and communities to make positive changes.
Decentralization as a Solution
Gomow advocates for decentralization as a way to combat the flawed centralized decision-making that currently dominates society. By encouraging microgrids and local energy sharing, Gomow envisions a future where communities become interconnected and resilient. This approach not only leads to greater independence and sustainability but also keeps economic benefits within local economies. Gomow sees decentralization as a key component of a more connected and symbiotic relationship between people and the planet.
Telling a New Story and Restoring our Connection with Nature
Gomow believes in the power of storytelling to reshape our relationship with nature. He highlights the need to move away from narratives rooted in extraction and domination and instead embrace a story of interdependency and reverence for the natural world. Gomow aims to inspire a shift in the metaphor that defines our relationship with nature, emphasizing the need for a new story that values and preserves the inherent connections between humans and the environment.
“What does it look like on the other side of this crisis? Does this have to be a story of depravity - or can it be an opportunity to create [a better future]?”
In the latest episode of Endless Vital Activity, David Johnston speaks with Damon Gameau, actor and filmmaker behind ‘That Sugar Film’ and his most recent release ‘2040’.
David and Damon discuss why the film industry is getting it wrong when it comes to climate change, the importance of providing children with a utopian vision of the future, and how having a fundamental understanding of human psychology can create a better future for both people and the planet.
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