Since Netflix knows we love documentaries, it put this documentary, “The Future We Will Create: Inside the World of TED” on our queue. We haven’t had a good run of movies lately with “Into the Wild” and “Rocket Science” being total duds. This, however, was a nice change.

The documentary is hosted by Daphne Zuniga (you may remember her from Melrose place or Princess Vespa in Spaceballs) who attends the 2006 TED conference and reports on what it’s all about and who is there. TED.org states “The annual conference now brings together the world’s most fascinating thinkers and doers, who are challenged to give the talk of their lives (in 18 minutes).” I can’t even begin to list who attended, but if you’re a techie/geek you’ll know all of them and be wowed.

When I was in GT class in elementary school we were given an assignment that was something along the lines of: Design a “future city” complete with housing, public services, transportation, recreation, and work areas and describe how the people will live in your city. We didn’t have to worry about being graded or fulfilling a checklist, but simply think and be creative without bounds. I remember this assignment because I had a blast brainstorming my city and building a model of it. My classmates and I had a sense of excitement and motivation that was unencumbered by those hurdles we place around ourselves as adults - being practical or realistic. Just make the future as you see fit.

As I watched this documentary, I recalled those childhood feelings in a sort of vicarious way through the lecturers and attendees as they envisioned what the future would be. But these are not children making models, they are adults with the talent, resources and drive to make their visions reality.

Amanda pointed out that to the viewer, this documentary is encouraging because it empowers you with the truth that one person can make a difference.

Here’s one of the talks on the DVD, and a superb example of the conference content. Sir Ken Robinson talks about the current public school system. There are many things in the talk that could be discussed and debated (If you watch it and are intrigued I’d love to hear from you).

Go checkout more of the talks at TED.org.