Matinees That Matter explores ‘The Economics of Happiness’

Bainbridge Island resident David Korten had been warning about the dangers of globalization long before the stock market plunge in 2008 caused a rift in the Matrix-like grip of the multinational culture. The author of three books championing local economies, Korten appears in Sunday’s Matinees That Matter feature “The Economics of Happiness.”

The 67-minute documentary deconstructs the rise of the global economy and identifies how it depletes the fabric of local communities, wastes obscene amounts of energy for transport, and creates an imbalance of power which causes political instability.

Instead of leaving the viewer disheartened and hopeless, the film provides an array of viable strategies to revitalize local economies.

One of those strategies is for local businesses and organizations to band together, in the spirit of collaboration instead of competition.

Demonstrating that collaborative spirit, Sustainable Bainbridge teamed up with The Lynwood Theatre, Yes! Magazine, Bainbridge Island Chamber of Commerce, Bainbridge Downtown Association and the Sustainable Business Network to present the film. In the lobby, information about Bainbridge Island’s Think Local First campaign will be available.

Following the film, David Korten, board member of the Bainbridge-based Positive Futures Network and the Business Alliance for Local Living Economies (BALLE), and Yes! Magazine Executive Director Fran Korten will lead a post-film discussion.

For more information, visit the Sustainable Bainbridge website at www.sustainablebainbridge.org or the film’s website at www.theeconomicsofhappiness.org.