ECONOCLAST: Herman Daly and the Gospel of Growth

Film screening of ECONOCLAST: HERMAN DALY AND THE GOSPEL OF GROWTH, an acclaimed new film by veteran documentary producer John de Graaf.The film profiles the famous economist who challenged his discipline’s focus on economic growth (as unsustainable on a finite planet, and resulting in great inequality) and launched the new field of Ecological Economists.

The film combines stunning photography with dynamic interviews of economists, political leaders and activists who ask us to choose other goals for our economy, including happiness, justice, social connection and sustainability.Prominent interviewees include former Toronto, Canada mayor David Miller, Daly biographer Peter Victor and “Doughnut Economics” creator Kate Raworth.

The 45-minute film will be followed by a panel discussion and Q & A with John De Graaf, author, filmmaker, speaker and activist. and Kevin Kuruc, Assistant Professor of Economics at Middlebury College.

FIRST RESPONSES TO THE FILM

“What a powerful, brilliant film!.  The visuals are wonderfully chosen to give the words greater impact.  Herman Daly’s message was a plea to put the “eco” back into economics.  Every student, parent, politician, businessperson, in fact, everyone should watch this film to recognize the crisis we now face.”  —David Suzuki, Professor Emeritus of Genetics, University of British Columbia, host of the CBC program, ‘The Nature of Things,’ Right Livelihood Award winner, grandfather

“What a powerful documentary! Thought-provoking, insightful, informative, Econoclast delves into the dire consequences of prioritizing economic growth over human and environmental wellbeing. A must watch!” —Maggie Stogner, Director, Documentary Film Program, American University, Washington DC

“An amazingly coherent, fast-paced smash up of Daly’s unusual life and times!” —Richard B. Norgaard, Professor Emeritus, Ecological Economics, U.C. Berkeley

“Thirty years ago, John de Graaf called attention to the crisis of consumerism with his film AFFLUENZA.  Now he challenges our unsustainable obsession with economic growth in this biography of prescient economist Herman Daly.  This timely, clear and important film should be widely seen and its message taken to heart.” —Betty Sue Flowers, professor emeritus, University of Texas, and former director, Lyndon Johnson Presidential Library

“The time for Herman Daly’s revolutionary economic ideas is NOW. David Miller, former mayor of Toronto, asserts that cities are ideal places to start implementing Herman Daly’s economics. I agree. All aspiring local leaders need to see this film. There IS a better way to a fair economy and better lives.”—Sharla Gardner, Former president, Duluth, Minnesota city council