Paradigm: A set of assumptions, beliefs and values that constitutes a way of viewing reality.

Paradigm shift: A change in perception that is the evolutionary result of an open mind.

21st Paradigm: A way of thinking for the 21st Century that respects the intrinsic value of all life - that is, the right of other life forms to exist regardless of their instrumental value to humans.
Not only the pretty birds but also the predators and reptiles, the ugly and unloved have a right to be left in peace, to exist not only for the pleasure and health and instruction of humans but for their own sake.

 21st Paradigm
is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to raising public awareness on social, environmental and animal welfare issues, and bringing change through grassroots action.
who we are ...
VANESSA SCHULZ

The driving force behind 21st Paradigm, Vanessa began freelancing in the film industry in 1994 while attending Cape Town Film & Television School. After emigrating to America, she gained further experience working for NBC, Fox, National Geographic and the Discovery Channel. Vanessa founded 21st Paradigm as a reaction to her frustration with mainstream media's reluctance to air contentious subject matter. Despite the challenges of independent media production, her films are receiving awards and accolades. She is currently working on her next project.
DUSTIN CASTLEBERRY

The writing talent behind 21st Paradigm, Dustin gained experience working as development executive for Concourse Productions, the feature film company of the Academy Award nominated director and producer Mark Rydell. In addition, Dustin worked with documentary film director, Tim Liversedge on Roar: Lions of the Kalahari to be released in IMAX theatres by National Geographic.

Dustin currently has two feature screenplays under option for production: The American, the pre-revolutionary story of young George Washington, and Iron John, an adaptation of the Grimm tale "Iron Hans."
"What is happening in the world lies, at the moment, just outside of common human understanding. It is the writers, the poets, the artists, the singers, the filmmakers who can make the connections, who can find ways of bringing it into the realm of common understanding. Who can translate cash-flow charts and scintillating boardroom speeches into real stories about real people with real lives. Stories about what it's like to lose your home, your land, your job, your dignity, your past and your future to an invisible force. To someone or something you can't see. You can't hate. You can't even imagine.

It's a new space that's been offered to us today. A new kind of challenge. It offers opportunities for a new kind of art. An art which can make the impalpable palpable, make the intangible tangible, and the invisible visible. An art which can draw out the incorporeal adversary and make it real."

Arundhati Roy