To start our regenerative film series, we shared three short films by local filmmaker and creator of the Regenerative Film Series, Gaurav Cedric Bhatnagar. We start with a local artist to encourage more local artists to participate in sharing their stories, dreams and visions as the series continues.
The themes of these three films center around the creative process, deeply considering movements toward world peace and the beauty of co-creating peaceful, loving, joyful societies through spiritual practice, community service and honoring the aina (land), mana (spirit), ohana (one human family).
Film 1: Making a Mark (2016, Los Angeles, dir. Gaurav Cedric Bhatnagar)
A meditation on the creative process told through Bharatnatyam dance (a classical Indian dance form) — “Aadhya, a polymath in another time and place, needs to make a mark on her cave wall in the face of impending doom.”
Film 2: WAKE. UP. (2016, Los Angeles, dir. Gaurav Cedric Bhatnagar)
Inspired by Koyaanisqatsi, Baraka and similar films, a tone poem that honors the beauty of Mother Earth, Humanity, touches on the violence happening here and looks to the future, exploring the cosmos and how we may learn from the experiences of marginalized and oppressed communities to build a better future for more peace, love and joy for all beings.
Film 3: Here & Now (Preview: 2026, Big Island, Hawaii, dir. Gaurav Cedric Bhatnagar)
An early preview: sharing a sacred dream and vision of Heaven on Earth in Peace, Love, Joy, Balance and Gratitude within a sovereign regenerative living economy. Featuring community and images from around Pahoa, Puna and Big Island.
Conversation Notes
Key Takeaways
- Just Transition framework was presented. Key focus was around cooperation instead of competition and how we can get that to happen here.
- Specifically focusing on Puna: what does a Just Transition to a living regenerative economy based in this district look like and how does it operate?
- Longstanding local homestead community member, Jamila, stated that it has been difficult to get regenerative economy and food hubs going here. Curious to learn more.
- Greg (wakeshi) presented an idea for an intentional community with a childcare network.
- Gaurav gave a brief intro to developing a regenerative creative studio focusing on building and sharing stories related to the process of building a regenerative living economy. More details to come.
- The group sees viability in a form and first step for building Regenerative Economy here in Puna as a local food hub that connects 1) homesteaders, eco-villages — 2) local community, visitors (short-term, long-term) — 3) local businesses in a virtuous regenerative cycle sharing the abundance, generosity and kindness of Mother Earth.
- Briefly after the Movie night, there were folks in community that suggested the Tin Bakery and Main Street Market as places that would be ideal locations for a local food hub.
- Full transcript coming soon…
Action Items
- Next Film: Stevie Wonder’s Secret Life of Plants came up and seems most fitting with Puamana Farm Fest happening soon. Between the Mountain and the Sky also came up as a suggestion.
- Follow-up conversations regarding the challenges and victories associated with efforts to build regenerative economies, food hubs and related initiatives in Puna.
Resources / References
- Unitree — came up a few times as a local regenerative economy development platform based on cryptocurrency and a virtual game / simulation that builds regenerative assets (i.e. land, food) in the real world.
- Regen Earth Studios — Colorado-based organization that has experience building regenerative businesses and offers workshops, courses.
