Capitalism is Over and “Living Without Money”

We just saw the excellent and thought-provoking documentary “Living Without Money”, a compelling film which chronicles how one courageous German woman, Heidemarie Schwermer, has intentionally lived virtually without any possessions or money for over fourteen years. The film was directed by Line Halvorsen, and it is a must see movie.

The nice folks from Capitalism is Over (CIO) arranged the screening at San Francisco’s wonderful community resource, Artists’ Television Access (ATA). While introducing the movie, CIO member Eliza Barrios explained that the Italian filmmakers generously gave the documentary to the group to use with no strings attached. All proceeds from the film screening benefitted the filmmakers and ATA.

The event was also held in conjunction with some great art in the space; including some creepily evocative work about childhood memories by San Francisco painter Amy Spohn, and two different art installations in the storefront windows on Valencia Street. One of the windows was created by the Capitalism is Over collective.

Before the movie screening, guests were also treated to another engaging public performance from CIO’s bright pink Capitalist Pig. The large friendly pig silently welcomed pedestrian passersby on the street, and also mutely highlighted the cascade of lies, greed and corruption that massive inhumane corporations are raining down upon us all.

All in all, it was a very inspiring evening in the Mission. Twenty years ago I worked as a volunteer at ATA, and it was most reassuring to see that the nonprofit art space is still going strong, especially in light of the current expanding global economic collapse.

Presently I already live with almost no money, but perhaps now I will try to live with even less. Both “Living Without Money” and the local art in the space motivated me to do something about the growing Depression that has consumed our country. Now I am dedicated to taking more direct action to help liberate our culture from being held hostage by cruel, greedy, sick banks, and working to end the economic violence perpetrated upon us all by Wall Street.