Eamon Ryan on his new documentary
Summary
Former Green Party leader Damon Ryan discusses his new documentary, *Forever Is Now*, which chronicles his final 18 months in government and his decision to leave politics to support his son, Tom, who has autism. The film highlights the duality of his life, contrasting high-stakes international climate negotiations with intimate family moments and the personal toll on his household. Ryan reflects on the trade-offs of political service, acknowledging the difficulty of balancing public duty with family time while expressing pride in the Green Party’s achievements.
Topics discussed
Introduction to Damon Ryan and the documentary 'Forever Is Now'
Reasons for granting access to government and family life
The duality of political work and family moments with Tommy
Nature, walks, and the connection to the climate story
Idealism vs. realpolitik and the rewards of political service
The personal cost of politics on family and relationships
Reflecting on the trade-off between work and family time
Self-reflection through the documentary lens
Final thoughts on the filmmaking process and closing remarks
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