December 2023. As world leaders gather in Dubai for COP28, a group of young people collect waste on the banks of the Roja River in Ventimiglia. They speak different languages, come from different paths: some are migrants waiting to cross the border, others have just completed a social permaculture course in the Torri Superiore ecovillage.
For a week, young people from 11 European countries lived together, learning how to design sustainable communities inspired by natural processes. They cooked, played music and reflected on their own privileges and global challenges. Guided by experts in the discipline, they explored a fundamental question: how can we overcome our differences and work together to save the planet before it’s too late?
Documentary, Color, HD, 66’
Directed by: Giulia Attanasio, Dario Ferraro
Cinematography: Giulia Attanasio
Sound: Dario Ferraro
Editing: Giulia Attanasio
Produced by: Dario Ferraro
The idea of observing social phenomena through the lens of natural processes is one of the most effective ways to cut through the hangover of information overload, opinions, and fake news, offering a fresh and grounded perspective on reality.
At the same time, the multitude of voices, needs, and viewpoints is something we must weave into a collective effort if we are to give ourselves a chance of surviving the climate crisis.
The film brings together the voices of young people from 11 European countries, with their dreams and fears, alongside the efforts of teachers trying to offer answers—or at least better questions.
These voices are confronted by the harsh realities of migration and borders, which reflect many of the most serious conflicts of our time.
In their own small way, our protagonists will attempt to respond—perhaps only with a symbol of resistance—but they will try to keep hope alive.
Social permaculture is a sub-discipline of permaculture—a design practice aimed at creating sustainable and regenerative human settlements. It is gaining increasing attention in both alternative and mainstream contexts for its methodological rigor in offering inclusive solutions to global problems.
At the same time, there are still very few works that provide a broad perspective on social permaculture. We believe, therefore, that this film can spark strong interest both among specialized audiences and among those simply concerned with the climate crisis and social justice.
Lucilla Borio, Ecovillage Torri Superiore;
Massimo Candela, Accademia Italiana di Permacultura/Ecovillage Torri Superiore;
Dražen Šimleša, ZMAG Green Network of Activist Groups;
Marguerite Kahrl, Permaculture for Refugees;
Morag Gamble, Permaculture Education Institute;
Silvia Corna, Consolida – progetti rigenerativi.
