Rooted in Peace Film Review
Directed by Greg Reitman
World peace. It can seem like a cliche, the mysterious Holy Grail, what we answer when asked our deepest desire, the expected quote from a beauty pageant contestant. The documentary Rooted in Peace asks this question: What will it take for people to create a world rooted in peace rather than one rooted in war and conflict. Award-winning filmmaker and activist Greg Reitman’s IMDB resume includes producing such titles as Fuel and Fields of Fuel; in his latest film, Rooted in Peace, he takes on numerous roles including director.
Reitman’s worthy pursuit of peace took him on an unexpected turn: inward. His own transformational journey is simultaneously personal and universal. He explores how an individual can learn to make the necessary changes to enjoy a better life — and in so doing inspire others to want to improve their own lives. This process has a powerful ripple effect on society as a whole.
In the film, he captures interviews with such inspirational personalities as Deepak Chopra, David Lynch, Pete Seeger, and Mike Love of the Beach Boys, each speaking of their own passions. Adhering to their recommendations fosters big changes in Reitman’s life.
Reitman’s journey leads to personal gains in love, health, and consciousness. Yet, he still wonders how such improvements connect to global peace. His exploration of the issues concludes that individual transformation leads to global transformation. As Deepak Chopra explains, “We are one ecosystem, we are one humanity. If you want to change the world, start with yourself. Be a good example.”
The film was screened during Sundance using PublicVine, the social video marketplace, followed by a live question and answer session and afterparty with Reitman, PublicVine’s Founder/CEO Nam Mokwunye, and producer/writer Scott Zarakin.
The Los Angeles premiere of Rooted in Peace takes place on Sunday, September 20 as the closing night film for the Awareness Festival at LA Live in downtown Los Angeles. Michael and Jahna Perricone will be leading a Tibetan Bowl meditation at the screening. Tickets are available at awarenessfilmfestival2015.sched.org.
rootedinpeacefilm.com
awarenessfestival.org
Karen Henry is an Associate Editor at LA YOGA who volunteers in a variety of capacities for nonprofit organizations and artists around Los Angeles. She practices yoga as a counterbalance to her daily impact sports and is a mother of four grown children who also practice yoga . Now, she’s working on teaching yoga and joy of life to the grandkids!