What People Are Saying About the Film:
Transformation In Action
"You can see the technology in action. You can watch how Werner separates a participant from their story, an identity that had been holding them prisoner. This video teaches you how to use your mind for a change that will give you completion of your past so that you are present and responsible for yourself in a new way." ~ Daniel P
A balanced and welcomed documentary
"This is a balanced and welcomed documentary about a decent hard working guy who is committed to making a difference for others. It has up close interviews of Werner Erhard (then and now) and show a person who really just enjoys what he does (working on the subject of human potential and effectiveness and "making a difference" for others) and who visibly cares about all people." ~ IMDB Review
It Was Fascinating!
"Building from the momentum generated by the youth counter-culture in the sixties, the human potential movement burst upon the scene in the seventies and found its most vocal expression in a training known as est (derived from the Latin verb meaning “to be). The est training, created by Werner Erhard in 1971, promised to transform the quality of the lives of 200 to 250 participants in two weekends." ~ Howard Schumann
Nothing is stronger than an idea whose time has come
"My friends told me about est for years and I never did understand why they wouldn't leave me alone about it. After seeing this film and getting an in depth look at the man and what he cared about I now see what all the excitement was about – it was fascinating!" ~ Melinda R.
You may not have heard of Werner Erhard, but you're probably familiar with some of the jargon he popularized: transformation, empowerment, breakthrough, make a difference, and get off it. Erhard was a hugely influential figure in America in the 1970s and 1980s, but he left the United States under a cloud of controversy in 1991 and has largely been forgotten in the ensuing years. Two-time Emmy award-winning documentary producer Robyn Symon wrote, directed and edited Transformation: The Life and Legacy of Werner Erhard. The documentary reexamines Erhard's rise to prominence and the ensuing controversy, and it provides an update on what he's been doing since.- DVD talk
Werner Erhard: An Extraordinary Leader
"Werner Erhard is an extraordinary leader, who empowered people to take responsibility for their lives and the world around them. It was long past due for his story to be told and this documentary is a great representation of the history of the times and legacy of one of the true icons of our times." ~ Phillys M
Balances The Lopsided Reports
"It redeemed or balanced the lopsided/negative reports about Werner's life via earlier media. Also, showed how pervasive his work is in the world, he seemed to be the "granddaddy" of transformation, with little credit given to him. I highly recommend." ~ Wallace P
Excellent Documentary
"An interesting and balanced look at the man behind the western 'personal transformation' movement. Werner Erhard created EST, which later spawned Landmark Education, a program that has been the foundation and inspiration for many of the world's most transformative organizations and thinkers. This film provides an insightful look into the man, the history, the technology, the psychology and the controversy behind the movement that many have viewed with only limited perspective. Highly recommend." ~ Steve E
Really Inspiring
"This movie is amazing. Regardless of your feelings about Werner Erhard, this is a story about being human and taking a stand for something for humanity. I happen to really respect Werner Erhard and love the work that continues to make a difference in the world that Werner started. What a great story. Thank you for doing such a great job with what could have been a tender subject for people. Awesome! " ~ James W
“Transformation: The Life and Legacy of Werner Erhard” (2006) documents the life of Werner Erhard, founder of the Erhard Seminars Training (est) organization, and the impact of his ideas. Werner Erhard talks with Jonathan Moreno. Watch the full conversation here.
Film Summary
5 stars to acknowledge what Werner's humanity and commitment contributed to the world
"I gave 5 stars to acknowledge what Werner's humanity and commitment contributed to the world. When I think of him, I am moved to tears--not because of a fawning cult figure adoration. Like myself, I am aware of his many human flaws and failures. I am moved to tears because when I remember Werner Erhard, I remember who I am.
"I remember how I hated my mother and father and had little contact with them for 12 years. After doing the est Training & The 6-Day Course, I began getting to know them for the first time. As a result, my father ended up being the "best man" at my wedding 25 years ago. How do you thank a person for something like that?" ~ Chuck H
Brilliant!
"A brilliant documentary on an amazing guy whose work has made a huge difference in the lives of many many people." ~ Roger T. G. Patterson
This Film Answered All My Questions
"This was a tremendous film that evoked an era for me and completed so many of the questions that I had regarding Werner Erhard and whatever happened to both him and the est training. All of the mystery, that I was left with for decades from the press, was answered in moving, up-close and personal interviews with his family." ~ David F
Werner Erhard's legacy
Werner Erhard's legacy is a whole new type of conversation we are able to have that will impact generations to come. His transformation technology is a valuable experience that realy impacts life itself in an extraordinary way. ~ Brenda M
The film was screened at the University of Pennsylvania's Bioethics Film Festival in April 2016. Following the screening, Werner Erhard--founder of Erhard Seminars Training (est)--discussed the film with Penn professor Jonathan D. Moreno. A video fo that conversation can be found here.
“Transformation: The Life and Legacy of Werner Erhard” (2006) documents the life of Werner Erhard, founder of the Erhard Seminars Training (est) organization, and the impact of his ideas. Werner Erhard talks with Jonathan Moreno. Watch the full conversation here.
Transformation: The Life & Legacy of Werner Erhard
"Transformation: The Life & Legacy of Werner Erhard" provides a look into who Werner Erhard really is and how his ideas have been making a difference throughout the world. In 1971, in a hotel ballroom in San Francisco over 40 years ago, transformation burst on to the national stage with the first est Training. Werner Erhard and the est Training brought to the forefront the ideas of transformation, personal responsibility, accountability, and possibility.
Over the years, more than two million people from all walks of life and all kinds of backgrounds and educational experiences have brought about breakthroughs in their work and lives based on the work of Werner Erhard.
This documentary by two-time Emmy winner Robyn Symon offer viewers a rare insider view into the life and ideas of Werner Erhard and highlights his enormous contributions to the quality of people's lives, people's relationships, the business world, academia and society. The film had its world premiere at the Palm Beach International Film Festival and broke the box office record at the QUAD Cinema in New York during it's opening week.
Film Featured at the University of Pennsylvania
The film Transformation: The Life and Legacy of Werner Erhard, was featured at the University of Pennsylvania Bioethics Film Festival in April 2016. The festival featured a long conversation between Werner Erhard and Professor Jonathan D. Moreno. Jonathan D. Moreno is the David and Lyn Silfen University Professor at the University of Pennsylvania where he is one of sixteen Penn Integrates Knowledge professors. At Penn he is also Professor of Medical Ethics and Health Policy, of History and Sociology of Science, and of Philosophy. Watch the entire video conversation with Werner Erhard here.
This documentary gives the viewer a look at who Werner Erhard really is, the revolutionary nature of his ideas and the difference they have made throughout the world. It features historic clips of the est training and highlights Werner Erhard's enormous contributions to the quality of people's lives, people's relationships, the business world, and society itself.