A Thousand Suns

The Global Oneness Project is exploring how the radically simple notion of interconnectedness can be lived in our increasingly complex world. Their beautiful and moving film, A Thousand Suns, tells the story of the Gamo Highlands of the African Rift Valley and the unique worldview held by the people of the region. This isolated area has remained remarkably intact both biologically and culturally. It is one of the most densely populated rural regions of Africa yet its people have been farming sustainably for 10,000 years. Shot in Ethiopia, New York and Kenya, the film explores the modern world’s untenable sense of separation from and superiority over nature and how the interconnected worldview of the Gamo people is fundamental in achieving long-term sustainability, both in the region and beyond.

It is heartening that there are so many films these days that champion sustainable agriculture. But A Thousand Suns sets itself apart by providing a much needed contrast in its eye-opening framing of the issue from a cultural perspective. When spirituality was removed from nature, it opened the door to its abuse, substituting maximization for sustainability. We have lost sight of the fact that humans are a part of nature, not an external force that exists to exploit it. A Thousand Suns touches our hearts as well as our minds and makes the case for adopting this holistic viewpoint of agriculture which will accrue to our benefit, now and for the future.

Watch a short version of this compelling film here.