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Festival of Ideas 2008

The Festival of Ideas returns this year to stimulate the minds and passions of the people of Bristol. The fourth festival addresses many issues including schisms in the Christian Church, the impact of globalisation, science today (a new partnership with Science City Bristol), Fair Trade and transition to a greener society, changing America, the media and truth, and what the world would be like without human beings. We also look back at the sixties and the legacy of idealism, assess the impact of the Iraqi surge and look at matters of the mind and alternative medicine.

In addition to an extensive programme of thinkers, speakers and writers, the Festival of Ideas and Watershed present two film strands which reflect on the opportunities for and consequences of social and cultural change. May ‘68: When Culture was Radicalised presents a series of talks and screenings reflecting on the cultural significance of the Sixties. Influenced by such visionary figures as Beat poet Allen Ginsberg and French New Wave filmmaker Jean-Luc Godard, some of the most radical thinking about culture evolved in the UK in the wake of this turbulent period, and these films and documentaries from the time offer insight into the excitement and energy which spread throughout Britain. Each screening will be accompanied with archive news footage from the time. At a time when there is again vast opposition to the destruction of our planet, globalisation and war, Social Issues – Documentaries and Debates traces this thread of creative resistance over the last forty years, through the present day and into the future. This second strand investigates ways in which people today are pushing for social and cultural change and touches on the big issues affecting public life, from globalization to climate change.

There’s also Gerry Anderson’s life and work, Jon Ronson on the foibles of contemporary craziness, the philosophy of Monty Python and the politics of James Bond. So, whether it’s war and peace, climate change, sixties politics and poetry, changing America, Thunderbirds or God, there’s something for you.

For details of all events and venues click on 'more information' link above.