PORTLAND, Maine — Several years ago, Jim Merkel, a former military engineer who lives in Belfast, decided to make a documentary film. His aim was to share wisdom from people in other parts of the world on how to lead better lives, with an emphasis on sustainability and the empowerment of women.
What experience did he bring to the project? None. But what he lacked in experience he made up for with moxie.
"I'm a nut," Merkel told me with a smile. "I’ve ridden across the country twice on a bicycle. I didn’t think I could do that, and I just said one day I'm going to do it."
In making the film, "Saving Walden’s World," Merkel spent time in communities in Cuba, India, and Slovenia. They’re all places, he says, where the focus in life is more on happiness than possessions, on collaboration rather than competition.
"What was so unusual is that people [in these countries] are used to Americans coming there to tell them they're doing something wrong," he said. "I was asking about their success—and people really lit up."
Merkel will be on hand for a screening of "Saving Walden’s World" at the Colonial Theater in Belfast on May 14. Although he's deeply concerned about the problems humanity faces, especially climate change, his message is not one of gloom or hopelessness.
"Solutions are possible. A better world is possible," he said with conviction. "I think adults have to leave a better world for our kids and not say, "Hey, you’ll figure it out.'"