The Elements of Mutual Aid
a documentary,
currently in production
While unsustainable systems lead our world toward collapse, a rising movement of mutual aid is proving that another world is possible.
This documentary will profile communities undoing structures of hierarchy while building cooperation and grassroots power in their place.
Release planned for late 2023.
A documentary composed of four chapters:
Chapter 1: Fire
The Light We Share
The spirit of mutual aid compels us to take care of each other instead of believing we must be dependent on authoritative structures. What is our potential when it lights the way? How can we rekindle it by trusting in our collective power?
In this introductory installment of our series, we’ll meet organizers who can help us define what mutual aid is and the other values it guides us towards.
Chapter 2: Earth
Cultivating Roots
How does mutual aid shape the alternative infrastructure we’re capable of building together? And how does that contrast to the dependence, poverty, and policing manufactured by the state programs and non-governmental organizations that overtake communities when they cannot meet their own needs?
In chapter two we visit grassroots projects whose roots have taken hold in the ground and are supporting the material needs of their communities. Here we scale up our imaginations of what is possible when we counter authority with mutuality.
Chapter 3: Water
A Deep Healing
The internalization of oppressive systems prevents our mutuality from flowing. It requires intentional work to deconstruct those dams within ourselves and in our communities.
An intentional platform for women, two-spirit, and gender non-conforming people of color, chapter three explores the ways that healing from colonial and patriarchal violence is an integral part of mutual aid.
Chapter 4: Air
Strategy of Movement
While our world’s species face extinction, groups are rapidly experimenting with ideas for how to apply mutual aid in the structures and processes of their organizations. The logistics of how we make decisions, share power and skills, rotate responsibilities, and resource our work are the nuts and bolts of our work.
Our final chapter celebrates the power of how these experiments are cross-pollinating each other across an organic network of communities breathing life into a new world.
Preproduction fundraiser update
With your help, we have our base production costs covered! Thank y’all so much for your excitement for this effort and for trusting us to bring this project to life.
For more info on how to help this project along, check out our Ways to Support page.