BBFF25 Fools Paradise (Lost?)

Fools’ Paradise (Lost?) is a love letter to the wild - both the wilderness that surrounds us and the untamed spirit within. At a time when climate change and environmental degradation threaten the future of life on earth, this film asks: how do we heal ourselves through reconnection to nature, and how do we heal what remains of our planet? Filmmaker Alexandra Lexton, who late in life took on the care of an organic apple farm, embarks on a search for stories of people who have rediscovered their bond with the natural world and shared that renewal with others. Through encounters with writers, artists, environmentalists, therapists, political activists, and adventurers, the film brings together science, philosophy, and lived experience to illuminate pathways of healing. Among the ten voices featured are a globetrotting photographer, a journalist, a Navajo scholar, an ecotherapist, mindfulness teachers, climate change experts, and Marin’s famed “planetwalker,” Dr. John Francis. Each offers insights into how reconnecting with nature can address not only ecological crises but also human struggles with grief, depression, addiction, and disconnection. Blending wisdom, science, and deeply personal stories, Fools’ Paradise (lost?) explores what we can learn from different cultures, histories, and traditions — what came before, what is happening now, and what can still be done. Ultimately, the film reminds us that by caring for the wild, both within and without, we nurture the possibility of a more balanced and sustainable future for all.