Movie Screening of "Call of Life" @ Bernardsville Library

All over the world, species are becoming extinct at an astonishing rate, from 1,000 to 10,000 times faster than normal.  The loss of biodiversity has become so severe that scientists are calling it a mass extinction event.  To learn more about this troubling phenomenon, come to Bernardsville Public Library on Sunday, April 14 at 2:00 pm for a free showing of Call of Life, the first feature documentary to investigate this growing threat to Earth’s life support systems.

Through interviews with leading scientists, psychologists, anthropologists, philosophers, and indigenous and religious leaders, the film explores the causes, the scope, and the potential effects of the mass extinction, but also looks beyond the immediate causes of the crisis to consider how our cultural and economic systems, along with deep-seated psychological and behavioral patterns, have allowed this situation to develop, continue to reinforce it, and even determine our response to it.  Call of Life tells the story of a crisis not only in nature, but also in human nature, a crisis more threatening than anything human beings have ever faced before. 

After the movie, there will be a discussion led by Rhea Landig, Director of Development for Species Alliance, the producers of Call of Life.  Her involvement with the organization began seven years ago when she reconnected with the film’s director, a childhood friend.  The information she learned about the biodiversity crisis impacted her so profoundly that she began to raise funds for the production of the film that literally changed the course of her life.  She sees her role as educating and advocating for a healthy, sustainable planet for all species.

Ms. Landig has also worked in the New York media and fashion industries for over 20 years and has extensive experience both in front of the camera as a spokesperson and behind it as a producer, editor, and stylist for print and television, including work for Lifetime Television, The Disney Channel, and The Rosie O'Donnell Show to name just a few.  She has also done fundraising and other volunteer work with numerous non-profits including The Hunger Project, Youth at Risk, and various animal rescue and advocacy organizations.

There is no charge to attend the program, but advance sign-up is requested.  Register online at www.bernardsvillelibrary.org and follow the link from Adult Programs, or call the library at 908-766-0118 to sign up.