Showing the film in my own neighbourhood for friends, neighbours and children: this is what I wanted. Rolf Winters brought me the idea at the end of the Happinez event, when he invited everyone to think along how they could spread the message of DOWN to EARTH. After seeing the film I was touched deeply by the strong image it evokes. A western society with all its abundance that can learn from the wise Earth Keepers that live close to the source in simplicity.

The neighbourhood I live in, Oog in Al, is a wealthy one. My friends, neighbours and I are people that live in nice houses, are mostly highly educated, and experience a high degree of social awareness. Just like me, they search for ways to give this shape. The film is an invitation to feel and search for ways to live a meaningful life.

To show DOWN to EARTH in my neighbourhood, I approached Het Wilde Westen (the Wild West). This is a cultural spot in West Utrecht. They invite inhabitants of the neighbourhoods of Oog in Al and Lombok to connect. It is a place full of life and creativity, starting from societal connection. Dorothe Lucassen, who works at Het Wilde Westen, was enthusiastic immediately. The beautiful theatre hall was perfect for a screening.

On 22 January 2017 we screened the film in the theatre hall, with ‘a little extra’. At Het Wilde Westen, it’s important that everything that takes place in the theatre hall is communicated to the neighbours. We focused our publicity towards those that already visit Het Wilde Westen regularly, but also those that don’t, but should be allowed to know this is also their place. This worked well: the tickets sold out quickly. On the 22nd I gave a personal introduction. Tal Canneti, a cellist from the neighbourhood, played a beautiful piece of music to get into the right vibe: Bach prélude in G. 

After the music we started the film. The hall was filled with neighbours, many familiar faces of friends, and people who know each other form run-ins in the park, the local supermarket or the school playground. The film was followed by an interesting and exciting dialogue. People expressed their worry about the direction the world is heading in, and how to handle the environment and economic growth differently. How can you change things yourself? People were also moved and touched. They shared experiences of their own travels.

The conversation continued in the cantina in smaller groups. People expressed criticism on our society, and worry about how to move on. The conversation kept on returning to the same questions: what can and do I want to do, and what do you want?

I organised this event with great pleasure. I still run into people who have seen the film in the supermarket who start talking to me. They tell me: “I want to consume less, but it’s so hard to really stop and think about what I really need.”

How do you do this?

I think this is a beautiful question, that I still ask myself every day.

Annemiek Hormann