The social issues of the 21st century are complex and wide-spreading which can often make them appear overwhelming and hopeless. How can an individual make a difference? Simply Living developed the strategy of information and entertainment through screenings of documentary films to educate the public about a wide variety of sustainability and social issue topics.
Thanks in part to your donations in addition to a grant from the Puffin Foundation West, Simply Living has been able to purchase the screening rights to show documentary films in local, independent movie theaters like Gateway Film Center, Studio 35, and the Drexel. In addition, they partner with other organizations to co-sponsor the films, and organize expert panels from local organizations to describe local efforts to solve issues addressed in the films.
Throughout 2016, Simply Living’s monthly film screenings have included: The High Cost of Low Prices in January; The Suzuki Diaries: Future City in March; Can you Dig This? Urban Gardening Transforms Food Deserts in April; and GMO – OMG! Film Explores Genetically Modified Organisms in May.
One attendee described her experience of the film series as providing her with a “mini-survey course about issues that concern me. I try to attend all of the screenings, and I benefit from the Q + A after the film that addresses local solutions to these often global problems.”
Screen documentaries that educate, inform and offer solutions by donating $10 a month to Simply Living.