Film screening in Cottbus: Understanding crises and acting together!

Film screening in Cottbus: Understanding crises and acting together!

On Wednesday, July 2, 2025, a film screening of the documentary “Purpose” will take place in Cottbus. The event, which will be presented between 5:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. in Audimax 1 on the BTU central campus, is part of the “Open BTU” lecture series. Admission is free and prior registration is not required. The film is shown in English with German subtitles and addresses the roots of crises such as biodiversity, climate, democracy and social justice in the context of the capitalist economic system.

The film's director, Martin Oetting, will appear together with Dr. Andrea Vetter, transformation researcher and author, and Sebastian Zoepp, social entrepreneur and managing director of the Spreeakademie, will be present as panel guests. The moderation is taken over by Dr. Stefanie Gerold, who works in the department of technological and environmental sociology. After the film screening, there will be a discussion about the film's themes as well as strategies for a sustainable and socially just economy.

Goals and content of the film

“Purpose” questions the current economic system and advocates for a transformation towards an economy oriented towards the common good. The film follows the protagonists Katherine Trebeck, founder of the Wellbeing Economy Governments alliance, and Lorenzo Fioramonti, an Italian minister, as they campaign for an economy that focuses on the well-being of people and our planet. The questioning of the GDP-oriented economy, which plays an important role in the current discussion, is discussed.

The lecture series, which will take place from April 9, 2025 to July 2, 2025, includes other topics such as soils in Lusatia, biodiversity and biodiversity protection, and democracy in times of crisis. The aim of the series is to support lifelong learning and promote the transfer of knowledge and ideas in the region. The events also offer the opportunity for questions and exchange after each lecture.

Global challenges and solutions

The film's themes are particularly relevant in the context of global challenges such as climate protection and biodiversity. Developing and emerging countries have ambitious goals with regard to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). In order to achieve this, the economic and financial systems must be designed to be sustainable and climate-friendly. Important drivers for this change are robust political and regulatory frameworks and capacity building in the public and private sectors.

Global dialogue is crucial to align reforms with national priorities and international standards. The exchange of knowledge and experiences plays a central role here. The project is being carried out in collaboration with various international networks and is even co-financed by the European Union, which underlines the urgency and relevance of the topic.

For those interested in learning more about the “Open BTU” lecture series, the BTU website further information. The film screening promises not only an exciting cinematic experience, but also a valuable discussion about current and future-oriented economic issues.