The Age of Stupid invites some intelligent debate

The massively successful post apocalyptic climate change movie, The Age of Stupid, is being aired at Dartington Barn Cinema from Monday 20 April to Thursday 23 of April – and to stir things up a bit, Dartington have gathered together a panel of the region’s finest environmental minds to kick start a debate on the back of the controversial film.

The debate will take place on Wednesday 22 April in the Barn Cinema following the 8pm screening of The Age of Stupid, which stars Pete Postlethwaite as a man living alone in the devastated world of 2055, looking back at “archive” footage from 2007 and asking: why we didn’t stop climate change when we had the chance?

The panel of environmental experts who will be trying to answer that question include Dr Richard Betts – Head of Climate Impacts at the Met Office, Rob Hopkins from the Transition Town movement, Dr Jon Rae and Stephan Harding from Dartington Schumacher College and Green Party Candidate Lydia Sommerville.

Lydia Somerville said “As the film suggests, time is running out for meaningful political action against climate change. This week’s news from the climate talks in Copenhagen reflects the message of the film: failing to act now will have devastating consequences. The good news is that we can do it – and live happier, more comfortable lives”

Dr Jon Rae Sustainability Co-ordinator at Dartington said, “One of Dartington’s strengths lies in using the arts to communicate serious environmental messages and The Age of Stupid is the perfect example of how powerful cinema can be used as a call for action. This is a fantastic movie and one we are all really looking forward to debating.”

The Age of Stupid screens at the Barn Cinema from Monday 20 April to Thursday 23 April – see www.dartington.org/arts for details and to book online. Members of the public with tickets to the Wednesday night screening also get the opportunity to witness the panel discussion – call the Dartington box office on 01803 847070 for tickets.