24/04/2015
MINDFUL AMERICAN
New Documentary Series By Erica Hart
Watch the Mindful American pilot on https://vimeo.com/125419810
Los Angeles-based filmmaker Erica M. Hart premieres the 20-minute pilot for a new documentary series “Mindful American,” highlighting intentional and sustainable living in the United States. The pilot follows LA residents who are working to strengthen their community while reducing environmental impact.
In “Mindful American,” Hart explores the Los Angeles Eco Village, an intentional community in Koreatown that is spreading awareness on how to live more sustainably in an urban area. The Eco Village was founded following the 1992 LA riots.
“We learned a long time ago that the fear of crime is much more debilitating than crime itself and that crime is symptomatic of the breakdown of community,” said Lois Arkin, founder of LA Eco Village. “It was after the riots that we said, hey, what should our priorities be in innercity Los Angeles? And we decided we’ll just work on community building. And that does work!”
The Eco Village advocates for reducing reliance on car travel. As a way to promote cycling and build community, Jimmy Lizama, a local bicycle activist and longtime Eco Village member, founded the Bicycle Kitchen. Today the Bicycle Kitchen is a highly regarded non-profit bike co-op east of Hollywood, though in 2002 it had its meager beginnings under the stairs at the LA Eco Village.
“You can see it in their faces. Once they ride their bicycle, and they feel the power of themselves on that bicycle, you’ve created an activist,” said Lizama.
After her car was totaled in a collision, Hart used the auto insurance check to self-fund the production of the first episode of “Mindful American,” which highlights the growing bicycle culture in LA, a notorious car city.
“I knew I wanted to make a project documenting intentional and sustainable living, but I had no idea how I would pay for it. In a way, my car accident was a blessing in disguise,” Hart said. “It wasn’t until I was car-less that I finally slowed down enough to explore all the awesome stuff going on right here in LA! After creating Mindful American, I can’t imagine ever owning a car again.”
In addition to being the creator/director/producer, Hart serves as the on-camera host of Mindful American, guiding the viewer through her journey. In addition to the Eco Village, Erica also explores a learning garden for local LAUSD school children, a group of YouthBuild students making cargo bikes in Boyle Heights, and the car-free cycling event, CicLAvia.
“It’s not just about the environment,” Hart said. “It’s about slowing everything down, taking the time to know your neighbors, to be conscious of your resources and maybe feel a bit more joy in your daily life.”
Watch the Mindful American pilot on https://vimeo.com/125419810
