An introduction from co-producer Cyril Dion.
We are so happy to finally see Tomorrow released in the UK for several reasons. First because, along our journey in 10 countries to find some of the most inspiring initiatives who are building a better future, we’ve spent a great time in Bristol, Todmorden and Totnes, filming the Bristol Pound, the Incredible Edible movement and Transition in Totnes. Secondly, because the Transition Network has been one of the leading inspiration of the narrative and the spirit of Tomorrow. We wanted to show how local initiatives, strong communities and creativity could start a movement able to change our energetic, economic and democratic systems. I hope we caught that spirit well and that the Transition movement will be able to use the film as a powerful tool, to share this vision and empower more and more people. That’s why we are so pleased to release Tomorrow through Transition Network with a community-led screening model that sits perfectly with the spirit of the film. And finally, beacause the movie has been sold in 30 countries already and we were dying to share it with you, our cousins from across the sea.
Everywhere it has been screened, Tomorrow has created great enthusiasm and led to many actions. In France 1.1 million people went to see it in mainstream cinemas across the country, and hundreds of initiatives have been taken since then by citizens, business holders or local political leaders such as community gardens, local currencies, renewable energy projects, collective composting, zero waste groceries… The same things happened in Belgium, Switzerland and Canada where the movie was, proportionally, even more successful. A huge number of projects were launched, such as Incredible Edible groups, Transition initiatives, university programmes, etc. We were incredibly surprised to see the same reactions in Bangkok, Alger, Torino, Mexico and Hong Kong.
Moreover, the movie strived to contribute to change the vision of what the future could be. It has been screened in the European Parliament in Brussels, at COP21 in Paris, in the UN in Geneva and NYC where the special advisor of Ban Ki-moon, David Navarro, said Tomorrow should be part of the training of every political leader on the planet. Around 200,000 high school students went to see the film with their teachers in France, Belgium and Switzerland. And it might have contributed to some measurable societal influence. According to the French part of the European study 'Generation What?' published in France on December 14, the major concern of people between 18 and 34 years old is now ecology, rather than employment.
In the UK, as in many countries of the world, we need to find new path leading to common prosperity and resilience. This movie is not claiming to have all the answers, but it definitely shows some great people inventing and trying to start the movement. I hope these stories of the future will make you feel powerful and passionate about what you can do in your own life, job, community, neighborhood, to give the purpose and the meaning you want to your actions. By doing what we love and what we are gifted for, I have confidence that we can be happy and useful in the same time. To me it is the start of a revolution.
Right: Cyril with co-producer Mélanie Laurent.