Turning Tide Productions

Nationally Broadcast on Free Speech TV

Directed by Robbie Leppzer

Music By Pat Humphries

A Turning Tide Production

25 minutes • DVD or VHS

In the immediate aftermath of the attacks of September 11, 2001, the U.S. media showed non-stop images of Americans waving flags, seemingly demonstrating their unanimous support for the Bush administration’s militaristic response.

And yet, when 20,000 people gathered in Washington, DC and New York City just a few weeks after
9-11 to express their objection to a U.S. military attack against Afghanistan, it went virtually unnoticed in the mainstream press.

VOICES FOR PEACE is a video chronicle of these first national anti-war demonstrations which took place a few weeks after the September 11 attacks.

Featuring:
· Amy Goodman, Pacifica Radio journalist, host of DEMOCRACY NOW!
· Mairead Maguire, Nobel Peace Prize laureate
· Adolfo Perez Esquivel, Nobel Peace Prize laureate
· James Creedon, World Trade Tower rescue worker
· Rev. Lucius Walker, Pastors for Peace
· Ron Daniels, Center for Constitutional Rights
· Starhawk, author
· Dave Klein, Vietnam veteran
· Student and Community Activists

VOICES FOR PEACE presents viewpoints not covered by the mainstream media. In the documentary, grassroots peace activists talk about the September 11 attacks and the subsequent U.S. military response in a broader context. They raise critical questions about U.S. foreign and military policy, the impact of war on innocent civilians, the erosion of civil liberties in the U.S., and the root causes of violence in the world.

The voices of American citizens presented here are significant for their eloquence and passion against war, coming so soon after the 9-11 attacks. Even though these demonstrations were relatively small, they planted the seeds of a new anti-war movement that a year-and-a-half later would see millions of people across the country and around the world protesting against the U.S. invasion of Iraq.

VOICES FOR PEACE is an effective discussion catalyst to widen the scope of debate about U.S. responses to terrorism.

REVIEWS

"VOICES FOR PEACE brings you up close to an extraordinary mosaic of people—Americans young and old, black and white, Nobel Laureates from Ireland and Argentina, assembled in Washington and New York, in colorful array, speaking from the heart about terrorism, violence, and war. The film makes a wonderful introduction to a classroom discussion, especially because it presents to students points of view they would never otherwise get a chance to hear. For activists, VOICES FOR PEACE is an inspirational boost, letting those who oppose war know they are not alone."
—Howard Zinn, Author of A PEOPLE’S HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES

"VOICES FOR PEACE dispels the myth that most people in this country support violent, vengeful responses to injustice. Filmmaker Robbie Leppzer's speaking presentation at UMass sparked a skillfully moderated dialogue where he provided a safe environment for people to disagree respectfully. This video is a valuable organizing tool and a catalyst towards much-needed change."
—Kate Harris, local activist, Amherst, MA

"VOICES FOR PEACE gives us valuable information and encouragement. The documentary shows the strength and beauty of real world solidarity in our own country today, as people took to the streets soon after September 11 to call for peace and a just response to the terrorist attacks. The video helped to dispel the illusion that our own local efforts to organize for peace and justice are small and isolated. Though we know that we're part of a larger movement, it is through images and voices like those in VOICES FOR PEACE that we can relate to this fact on a deeper and more personal level.
Filmmaker Robbie Leppzer spoke and led a discussion after the screening. It was clear from his skill and patience in handling the questions and comments of the audience that he has a high respect for dialogue as a means for political transformation."
—Chris Holme, Student, University of Massachusetts at Amherst

"VOICES FOR PEACE is a great inspiration in these times."
—Paki Wieland, Professor of Psychology, Antioch New England Graduate School

RECOMMENDED SUBJECT AREAS

Political Science • Sociology • Peace Studies • American Studies • Communications • Philosophy • Politics & Government • Politics of Peace and Conflict • Contemporary Social Movements • Human Rights • Social Change • Documentary Film Studies • Media and Contemporary Culture • Politics and International Law • Modern Political Thought • US Foreign Policy • Philosophy of Nonviolence

VOICES FOR PEACE
25 minutes • DVD or VHS

Purchase Price
• Institutions (Colleges and Universities) - $199
• Community Organizations
(Public Libraries, High Schools, and Community Groups) - $99

• ORDERING INFORMATION

• Download TURNING TIDE VIDEO CATALOG (PDF)

See Related Videos:

THE PEACE PATRIOTS

AMY GOODMAN: "Free Speech & Independent Media"

AN ACT OF CONSCIENCE

INDEPENDENT VOICES - Turning Tide Speaker Series

Photo Credits: Diane Greene Lent (video cover).