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The Great Disconnect


Catalogue Number:  DISC00
Producer:  disconnected Ltd
Directors:  Soliman, Tamer
Producing Agencies:  Armada Films, Moca Films, Sympactful Wellness Media
Subject:  Canadian Politics, Canadian Social Issues, Canadian Social Studies, Documentary, Economics, Environmental Studies, Family Studies/Home Economics, Global Issues, Health, Psychology, Social Issues, Social Media, Social Sciences, Social Studies, Sociology
Language:  English
Grade Level:  9 - 12, Post Secondary, Adult
Country Of Origin:  Canada
Copyright Year:  2020
Running Time:  60:35


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We are living in a time that has been described as the age of loneliness. Despite Western advances in technology, living conditions, education and healthcare, we, as a society, are isolating ourselves from one another, and because of this, facing a health crisis that affects all ages, genders, races, and cultures.

But how have we become so disconnected?  And what can we do to change the status quo and fulfill our potential for health and well-being?

Join wellness expert Tamer Soliman as he journeys through North American cities to meet with local citizens, community activists, and leading authorities on social, economic, and urban planning to discover the true factors that have profound and lasting impacts, not only on our health, but the health of the communities in which we live. This timely documentary invites us to reflect on the relationships we have with those around us and raises the question: is it possible to overcome our modern culture of disconnectedness and rediscover how truly essential we are to one other?

Also available with French Subtitles: La grande décconextion

BEST Feature Film – Better Cities Film Festival 2020



“As Chair of the Centre for the Study of Living Standards I am very much interested in individuals’ and societies’ well-being. Those who study well-being have come to realize they need to broaden their perspective beyond standard measures such as employment and income. Social connections feature prominently in self-assessments of happiness or well-being. Solid social and family connections are common factors for individuals and societies who age well, physically and mentally. The Great Disconnect provides a masterful distillation of these theoretical links to well-being. But the documentary provides its greatest service in demonstrating at the personal level how connections support well-being and isolation leads to mental and physical impairment. The documentary is informative and entertaining while driving home a powerful lesson in this era of the great disconnect. Hang up and connect!” --Don Drummond, Former Chief Economist and SVP, TD Bank Former Associate Deputy Minister, Finance Canada Stauffer-Dunning Fellow, Queen's University 

“This film assisted us in creating a space that enabled our audience to reflect on the human need for belonging and highlighted that meaningful relationships with others is what drives our sense of belonging. This in turn helped youth delegates and adults in our audience to connect in a meaningful way, and to recognize the gaps that exist in our society, so that together we can continue to address the barriers of isolation for all people living in our communities. The message of this film is timely and relevant to audiences of all ages.” - Emily Branje, Community Living Ontario 

“Building great places is fundamentally about planning for people, and this includes supporting diverse needs for ongoing connection. Don’t miss The Great Disconnect.” - Kalen Anderson, Director, City Plan, Office Of The Chief Planner, City of Edmonton Director, Urban Analysis Section City Planning, City of Edmonton


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