Do we see any module of development around us that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs? What kind of world we are creating?
Look at the factors of economical growth. Is it in the equilibrium with basic ecological support systems? Ecologists have already pointed to "The Limits to Growth" and have presented the alternative of a "steady state economy" in order to address environmental concerns. Has the greed for Power & Control has been contained?
What are the reasons that even powerful countries are shying away from environmental sustainability, economic sustainability and sociopolitical sustainability?
Why the so called Developed World refuse to accept that "cultural diversity is as necessary for humankind as biodiversity is for nature"? This diversity becomes "one of the roots of development understood not simply in terms of economic growth, but also as a means to achieve a more satisfactory intellectual, emotional, moral and spiritual existence".
Just look at the world and it will become evident that we are making gradual advancement or growth through a series of regressive changes and we are calling this as a Development.
The protest against this regression most of the time becomes violent. Political protests are often labeled as "political theatre" or "pure drama" – but when property is smashed and violence erupts, many people ask: what are the limits of protest? Where do we draw the line between effective socio-economically committed protests and theatrical politics or erupting violence?
Here is the acid test. How do we go about staging protests that involve the masses and are justified? Protests that are freed completely from politics and violence. Protests that can compel policy makers to take heed and abandon the path of regressive development. The basic principle of such protest is non-violence.
The main motivation behind this festival is to equip people with the understanding of Nonviolent resistance (or nonviolent action) that is the practice of achieving socio-political goals through symbolic protests, civil disobedience, economic or political non-cooperation, and other methods, without using violence, which is largely synonymous with civil resistance.
We only hope that the efforts of 7islands International Film Festival will light up few lamps on the path of Peace & sustainable human Progress……
Bankim Kapadia
Honorary Director, 7islands International Film Festival.
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