The Age of Stupid Comes to Scotland

Four years in the making and financed by hundreds of different groups and individuals comes The Age of Stupid. Directed by the ambitious Franny Armstrong and starring Oscar-nominated Pete Postlethwaite this film is set to get our eco-friendly minds a ticking. Postlethwaite plays the protagonist,  living alone in the devastated world of 2055, looking at old footage from 2008.

Shot in seven countries over a period of three years, the film features six separate documentary stories, archive footage and lots of animation from, amongst others, Passion Pictures (who are the people behind the Gorillaz animation). Postlewaite’s ‘archive footage’ is all genuine, gleaned from recent news items or filmed by director Franny Armstrong and her crew, putting the climate change argument out there with real people.

In an ingenious attempt to get the public more involved in the film, organisers are aiming to enter the Guinness Book of Records by creating the world's largest premiere. The aim is to attract 16,000 cinemagoers to the "People's Premiere" on 15 March. This will also be the world’s first truly, 100% eco-friendly film premiere. As the film is screened in Leicester Square, 64 cinemas across the country will also premiere the film for a one-off showing before it goes on general release on 20 March. Amongst the innovative and eco-friendly ideas being used at this London premier is the use of a Green carpet, heating from stoves burning discarded free London papers made into logs by volunteers and a solar powered projector. Pete Postlethwaite will arrive in an experimental solar-powered car, whilst bicycle rickshaws and electric vehicles for other celebs charged from renewable energy sources will be used.

So how do we in the north get involved? On Sunday 15th March (5.30pm), 6 Scottish towns and cities will link up via satellite to the UK premiere of The Age of Stupid. If you miss out on the event you catch the film again at the Edinburgh Filmhouse on Saturday 21 March at 5.45pm. After the screening learn more about climate change and see what you can do to help with Speakers and Discussion on Community Action to tackle Climate Change. To find out more on what is happening locally SEAD - Scottish Education and Action for Development and Transition Scotland will also be there to get us more actively involved in becoming greener.