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In THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS: COHOUSING'S PROMISE, cohousing offers both privacy and community — the best of both worlds!
Originally a Danish creation, cohousing struggled to gain popularity in its country of origin for years. That is, until a film was made that explained its merits and how people found it enhanced their lives. Now a new film by award-winning filmmaker John de Graaf (AFFLUENZA and REDEFINING PROSPERITY) promises to have the same effect on U.S. audiences.
THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS explores the concept of cohousing as expressed through first-hand observations of residents of four cohousing communities — including the first one in the United States — and observations by architect Charles Durrett, who brought the concept to the US from Denmark.
27 minutes
SDH captions for the deaf and hard-of-hearing
Directed by John de Graaf
Writer: John de Graaf
Editor: Greg Davis, Doug Stanley
Camera/Sound: Doug Stanley
Music: Michael Bade
Content Advisor: Charles Durrett
Narrator: Jackie O'Ryan
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"Co-housing is the best of all worlds — good for the planet, our economy, our security, and most importantly, our happiness."
Annie Leonard, Executive Director, Greenpeace US, Author, The Story of Stuff
"THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS: COHOUSING'S PROMISE shows what I've been lecturing about all over the world (in 82 countries) as human's natural state. The nuclear family does not work great in any country. Our natural state is tribal, as so exquisitely shown in the movie...I have been pushing for communal living for 50 years, to address climate change, economic disparity, and mental health issues. With the film, everything has been made easier. What a great way to transition into tribal life."
Patch Adams, Physician, Activist, Author and Founder of The Gesundheit! Institute
"If you wish you knew your neighbors, if you like the prefix 'eco,' if you could use a few more hugs, if you think downsizing sounds good and wonder why the Danes are so darn content, you'll enjoy watching this John de Graaf film. It explains an alternative way of living that is social, economic, sustainable and, frankly, radical."
Rick Steves, PBS and NPR host of Travels With Rick Steves
"Cohousing offers compelling answers to so many of our ongoing crises: ecological, social, and spiritual. It seems certain this movement will keep growing - but faster now, because anyone who watches this movie will find themselves wondering, 'why not me?'"
Bill McKibben, Educator, Environmentalist, Author, Deep Economy: The Wealth of Communities and the Durable Future
"Our nation is faced with urgent housing needs and more and more residents look for innovations in the housing market that combine affordability and comfort. This informative, fast-paced film convinced me that cohousing is one of those solutions...I am now promoting cohousing here in the city of Vallejo as an alternative to larger developments."
Bob Sampayan, Mayor of Vallejo, California
"Utopian in the best sense of the word, co-housing offers a creative way to help communities consume less, connect more, and reap the benefits of sharing."
Aaron Shkuda, Project Manager, Princeton-Mellon Initiative in Architecture, Urbanism, and the Humanities, Princeton University
"I recommend to anyone who is looking for a sense of community or living lighter on the planet while enhancing your life to view this film to get inspired and to become a part of creating a community for yourself."
Alan Carpenter, Founder and Director, Canadian Cohousing Network
"Cohousing architects Chuck Durrett and Katie McCamant pioneered ways for neighborhoods to form by residents who balance individual interests with those of the whole; inclusive acceptance of all community members; and living more gently on the earth."
Alan O'Hashi, President, Cohousing Association of the U.S.
"I strongly recommend THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS to any viewer, but especially those interested in more sensible, less stressful ways of living...This documentary will leave the viewer wanting to tour the nearest cohousing neighborhood, and hopefully, build their own."
Dave Wann, Editor, Reinventing Community, Co-Author, Superbia, Producer, Designing a Great Neighborhood
"This film is wonderful - a great, enticing, complete overview introduction for people who will be excited to learn more. Well done, lovely, luminous!"
Mark Lakeman, Co-founder, City Repai