Terrestrial University: Symbiotic Earth
A film about the life and work of Lynn Margulis
Thu, July 23, 2020 7:00 pm CEST
- Location
- Online
Darwin teaches us: Life is a struggle for survival. Lynn Margulis teaches us: Life is symbiosis. In this complex system, everything and everybody is connected and stands in equal position to one another.
In the 1960s, the young American evolutionary theorist and biologist Lynn Margulis expressed an unpopular thought on the theory of evolution: she presented a phenomenon called symbiosis, i.e. the coexistence of living beings of different kinds for mutual benefit, as a key element of evolution. At that time, the principle of symbiosis was not of primary consideration, but genetic mutations, selection and struggle. Margulis stuck to her view and introduced the narrative of a symbiotic system in which bacteria combine to create cells from which all organisms are created. They form the complex, living surface of the Earth.
Terrestrial University
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More on the Terrestrial University
The »Terrestrial University« is an experimental lecture series in the context of the exhibition »Critical Zones – Observatories for Earthly Politics«, and we cordially invite you to attend the class. In a kind of lecture series of different formats such as lectures, discussions, artist talks, performance lectures or workshops, we turn to the critical situation of the Earth. Together with invited artists, scientists, curators and citizens as well as citizens' initiatives, we explore the »critical zone« -– the thin surface of the Earth, in which all transactions of life are mutually dependent. The focus is on the crucial question of which shifts in thinking are necessary to maintain the »critical zone« in its fragile balance.
The »Terrestrial University« will be broadcasted via live stream, and accompanied by the chat of the Critical Zones Telegram group. You can find the past events of the »Terrestrial University« hereunder.
Director John Feldman travelled far to talk to cutting-edge colleagues of this remarkable scientist who likewise offer a new view of the world. In this network, the film »Symbiotic Earth« explores both the life and work of Lynn Margulis as well as the connection and collaboration of all phenomena, biotic and abiotic, on Earth as the basic principle of life on this planet.
The »Terrestrial University« will be accompanied by the Critical Zones Telegram group. We invite you to participate in the group chat and exchange ideas.
Colophon:
John Feldman (direction, script, camera, editing, narration), Susan Davies (production), James MacAllister, Regge Life, Global Film Network (coproduction), Guido Alvarez (graphic design), Alex Marlow, Noah Shearer (assistant editing), Ann Tegnell (editorial consulting), Sheila Silver (composer). A Hummingbird Films Production.
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