Revolution Generation

by GRANT PHILLIPS

IN APRIL OF 2021, OJAI-BASED FILMMAKERS JOSH AND REBECCA HARRELL TICKELL, KNOWN FOR THEIR ENVIRONMENTALLY-CENTERED FILMS SUCH AS KISS THE GROUND AND FUEL, DEBUTED THEIR LATEST PROJECT THE REVOLUTION GENERATION, A COMBINATION FILM, BOOK, AND COLLEGE LECTURE SERIES FOCUSED ON INSPIRING THE MILLENNIAL GENERATION AND THEIR POTENTIAL TO CHANGE THE WORLD.

The film highlights key moments in culture that serve as turning points for millennials (defined in their book as those born between 1980 and 2000), ranging from presidential campaigns to the Standing Rock and Occupy Wall Street demonstrations. The fi lm addresses common misconceptions about the generation, namely their entitlement and laziness, and offers a different perspective, one that highlights their dedication and commitment to causes and their participation in politics, in activism, and as heads of nonprofits. The fi lm acknowledges half the people on earth are under the age of 35 - more than were alive in 1950 and they face a disproportionate amount of economic, humanitarian, environmental, and political hardships. The documentary is narrated by Michelle Rodriguez, known for her roles in the Fast & Furious franchise and the television series Lost, who is also known for her activism both on and o screen. In addition to her support of several foundations including The Foundation for AIDS Research, the Boys & Girls Club of America, Feeding America, and the Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles, she has spoken out as an animal rights activist for Unchained TV, where she advocated for the rights of all sentient beings. She brings her passion for activism to the documentary, providing a narrative that compliments visually engaging graphics that present complex concepts in an informative and inspirational way. The documentary features several other millennial activists like actress Shailene Woodley who attended the Standing Rock protests back in 2016, as well as those working behind the scenes at nonprofits and organizations advocating for change. Christine “Cici” Battle serves as Executive Director of the Young People For organization, activist and artist Xiuhtezcatl Martinez fights for indigenous rights and representation, and Steven Olikara who is the founder of the Millennial Action Project. The diverse voices are woven together through the storytelling skills of the Tickells who treat the subject with respect and admiration, providing a cohesive voice for the members of a generation that are often misunderstood or misrepresented. Rebecca Harrell Tickell, a millennial herself, showcases the potential and dedication that the generation is capable of achieving. The fi lm was produced during the pandemic at the Tickell’s Big Picture Ranch, an Ojai-based production studio that doubles as a sustainable 5-acre avocado farm. The space utilizes the regenerative farming practices the filmmakers are known for advocating. The location serves as a source of inspiration and a reminder that the choices of individuals can make a difference on both an independent and community based level. The film has already received several awards from fi lm festivals around the country including Best Production at the Gladiator Film Festival as well as Best Screenplay and Best Producer at the DOC LA Awards. Ojai Magazine spoke with the Tickells about the film, the millennial generation and the role of Ojai in providing and supporting sustainable solutions to help save the planet. Ojai Magazine: What do you hope Revolution Generation will provide to its younger audience? Rebecca Harrell and Josh Tickell: Our greatest hope is that this film offers tools, solutions and a new perspective for young people who feel disempowered by the current environmental and political landscape. The film is not only a historical movie with lots of information about why today’s youth generation is inheriting these problems, but also how they can take the reins of power to solve these concurrent crises. OM: As a millennial, what are some of the biggest challenges the generation is facing today? R&J: The biggest single challenge that will, in time, dwarf COVID and political gridlock of today, is the climate. The most important

climate solutions are not being discussed. Instead, “fixing the climate” has become the domain of technocrats and policy wonks. This “technology will save us” approach misses the greatest and most scalable asset we have - the youth. It also discounts other important solutions, like regenerative agriculture, which is the practice of growing food while simultaneously building soil. This type of work requires massive numbers of educated people, which is a perfect fit for today’s largely underemployed youth. We can fi x the climate crisis, but it must be driven by human change first. And the youth generations are the best poised to do the real work. OM: The documentary focuses on several key turning points within the culture; what moments stand out for you? R&J: The most important takeaway from the fi lm is that history is extremely cyclical. The cycles of history follow a path that brings out a kind of “crisis moment” once about every 80 years. Typically that crisis is solved by a war (World War II, The Civil War, The Revolutionary War.) If we are going to truly address the underlying issues with our environment, a war is not just unadvisable, it is the wrong way to deal with the internal conflicts that are arising around the misuse of capital and power. The big question is not whether or not we are headed for a crisis, but rather can we work together to solve this crisis peaceably? OM: Is it true you are working on a Standing Rock project as well? R&J: Yes - we have a scripted fi lm which will hopefully also be released this year that follows a war vet who goes to Standing Rock during the protest there and has to make a series of life altering decisions. It’s called On Sacred Ground and we hope it will be in theaters by year’s end. OM: What do you believe that moment in history demonstrated? R&J: Simply put, we as a society are at a crossroads. As a post-WWII society, we have embraced a type of “winner takes all” capitalism for so long, we have forgotten that other cultures, other people and

the very fabric of our species’ survival all depend on trillions of linkages with one another and the natural world. The protest at Standing Rock was messy, imperfect, problematic and ultimately failed to stop a pipeline. But it was a testament to our shared humanity, our need to heal wounds of the past, and our desperate need to find a peaceful and shared path forward as a nation of many peoples, some of whom have a very long history on this land.

OM: How important are the roles of community in these moments?

R&J: Community is the sinew that binds us. As such, it is the ultimate mechanism through which we can find our shared humanity and common ground. Friends, family, neighbors, countrymen and country women have always bonded together in times of crisis. We saw this in Ojai with the Thomas fire - boundaries and differences disappeared and what remained were humans helping humans. These kinds of connections will be critical as we enter what The Revolution Generation calls “The Fourth Turning” - a time when the climate crisis is unimaginably more intense than it is today because of the brittle nature of our environment and economy. In times of great upheaval, human connection is perhaps the most important asset we have.

OM: Do you find that Ojai, as a community, can potentially help with some of these challenges related to climate?

R&J: There was a great op-ed in the LA Times recently about how Ojai is an example of agriculture that is past its prime, running on a dwindling water supply to serve markets far away with produce we largely don’t eat. Our community quietly examples the epitome of the climate crisis and, given the resilient and strong nature of our town and valley, we certainly have the potential to turn that around and become an example of a thriving, profitable community that is rebuilding its ecosystems and learning from the mistakes of the past.

OM: As a millennial, what do you think our generation can do to change the future for the better? R&J: Watch The Revolution Generation when it comes out on Earth Day and share it with everyone you know. Don’t back down from tough conversations. Go to town hall meetings. Become a voice for change. And learn how you can use your skills to secure a future that works for all humans, not just a precious few.