"An original and uplifting film that makes you want to take action as soon as you leave the theater." AlloCiné

A QUEST FOR MEANING tells the story of Marc and Nathanaël, two childhood friends who take an impromptu road trip attempting to uncover the causes of our current global crisis and to discover a way to bring about change. The two friends invite us to share their quest as they meet with activists, biologists, philosophers, and custodians of ancient traditions. Equipped with nothing more than a tiny camera and a microphone they document some of the solutions that are laying the foundations for a sustainable world. This life-changing journey restores confidence in our ability to bring about change both within ourselves and in society.

Among the people they talk to are Vandana Shiva, Trinh Xuan Thuan, Satish Kumar, Pierre Rabhi, Hervé Kempf, Bruce Lipton and Cassandra Vieten.



Grade Level: 9 - 12, College, Adults
US Release Date: 2018     Copyright Date: 2015
DVD ISBN: 1-941545-99-8

Reviews "This exuberant film documents a journey undertaken by two young people who hope to map a path away from consumptive individualism and towards creative, joyous, life-affirming community. I can't wait to show this 'map' to inquisitive students searching for course change and for wise advice on how to create a future that is plausible, desirable, and achievable!" Joni Adamson, Director, Environmental Humanities Initiative, Global Institute of Sustainability, Arizona State University "A Quest for Meaning reviews the blinding elements of progress and technology, but more importantly we learn how nature, food, dreams, love, and joy feeds the internal shift to deep freedom - a shift necessary for us to help make the world better. Learn as the filmmakers do to face our fears and pathetic agreements made with this increasingly robotic world. Learn to purify your mind and body - hopefully to vibrate at a higher level. Learn we are children of stardust. Learn the qualities of the heart. Change is indeed coming and this upbeat film will help you with some tools to transform." Randy Hayes, Founder, Rainforest Action Network, Director, Foundation Earth "A breath of fresh air and optimism that recharges the spirit and soothes the soul." Ecoloinfo "With passion and exuberance, the two protagonists weave a powerful message...In the process they, and we, discover that the ideas and beliefs of the scientists, activists, philosophers, Shamans and ordinary citizens they interview all point to the same necessity. The imperative is that we humans create a new relationship with both the natural world and with each other...This film is a wonderful introduction to the issues of food sovereignty, food justice and indigenous rights in the context of a new economic and environmental paradigm." Polly Walker, MD, MPH, Senior Fellow, The Center for a Livable Future, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health "This rollicking, coming-of-age travelogue captures those moments when we begin to see through the veil of modernist culture and recognize that other, more meaningful ways of living, feeling, and interacting with the wider web of life are possible. Quest for Meaning is the 'Let's Go' of environmental and spiritual awakening." Paul Wapner, Professor of Global Environmental Politics, American University, Co-editor, Global Environmental Politics: From Person to Planet, Author, Is Wildness Over? (Where Am I?) "A marvelously encouraging and engaging film...As these young backpackers travel, they find deeper consciousness and spiritual unity with all Creation, in a new generation's innovative version of deep-rooted environmental sustainability traditions. The beautiful photography captures a striking series of rural and urban landscapes on four continents. A Quest for Meaning will powerfully engage discussions among students, faith communities and the wider public." Dr. Richard Tucker, Adjunct Professor of Natural Resources and Environment, University of Michigan "In this film, two young men as global citizens seek answers and possible solutions to a transition from unbridled consumerism. Their journey is engaging, as they travel the world and visit philosophers, spiritual leaders, environmental activists, and 'small is beautiful' operations...The journey should be an excellent stimulus to discussion." Tyler Volk, Professor of Biology and Environmental Studies, New York University, Author, Quarks to Culture: How We Came to Be "There is no guilt, no preaching, no alarmism. It's a work of maturity." Mediapart "Timely...For students and community groups, A Quest for Meaning offers an abundance of philosophical and spiritual propositions...This film will have particular relevance for young people in search of meaning today." Wynn Calder, Director of Sustainable Schools LLC, Co-Director of Association of University Leaders for a Sustainable Future