May 22, 2022
In this episode, it is my honour to introduce to you the (amazing people and) filmmakers, Anne Macksoud and John Ankele of Old Dog Documentaries. I first came across them through their film with Joanna Macy: ‘Climate Crisis As A Spiritual Path.’ It has reached international audiences with its powerful message on climate change and reconnection and personally moved me. John Ankele started his career as a producer of radio and TV programming in the 1960s, using mass media to empower faith communities advocating for civil rights, protesting the Vietnam War or struggling against apartheid in South Africa. He’s also an ordained Presbyterian minister and a student of Zen and Shambala Buddhist traditions who has been involved for many years in interfaith dialogue around contemplative practice and social justice.
Anne Macksoud spent 17 years as
a teacher of English literature, photography, and music, first
bringing documentaries into her own classroom on a regular basis
before transitioning into filmmaking herself. She believes that
film is a powerful means to an end to open minds and hearts and, as
a result, has been working with John since 1985.
Together, Anne and John produce documentary
films focused on the subtleties of human experience and the
complexities of our collective challenges. In this episode, we talk
about Anne’s and John’s formative life experiences and how that
brought them together and eventually led them to interview Joanna
Macy.
We
weave in quotes and references to Joanna Macy’s life’s work as an
educator and activist, so we consider her our third guest on this
episode. Together, we talk about the value of discomfort and we can
all face our current collective discomfort over issues like climate
change and pandemic with hopeful hearts.
So,
enjoy this chance to get to know Anne and John, the work they
passionately give to the world, and get familiar with Joanna Macy.
I hope that it gives you a deeper awareness of your connection to
us, to others and to everything.
Key Points Discussed:
Resources Mentioned:
Connect with Anne M. and John A. on the Old Dog Documentaries:
Connect with Betsy:
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