Peace and Justice Films Online!
Jesus calls us to a new and creative way of life. These films encourage creative nonviolent solutions to the issues we face daily. Many of the films are made by youth and young adults who have decided to speak out against violence and injustice in their world. Some of these films are based explicitly in Christian faith, and others are speaking for peace from another tradition, or from a secular viewpoint; hopefully we can learn from all of them. Watch these films with your friends and family and then talk about them. What's your spin on new life? How will you share Christ's message of peace and justice?
Responding to Local Violence
Responding to War and Militarism
Alternative Service Opportunities
Civil Disobedience
Social Justice
Environmental Stewardship
Feature Film Recommendations
Do you have a favorite peace and justice related film? Send us your suggestions!
Responding to Local Violence
Jesus spoke out against violence when he encountered it (John 8:1-11). God calls us to love our enemies and to pray for those who persecute us (Romans 12: 9-21). These films help us understand the roots of violence in our communities. What would you want to say in a film about violence in your community?
Washington Prep High Film Short - Peace vs Hate
01:37
Dominique A. Williams, a graduating senior in the class of 2006, made this picture out of her feelings in regards to students fighting on campus. She also wrote the poem and music as well as designed all the graphics for the film. Williams bravely questions the violent conflict patterns that have become commonplace in schools and neighborhoods.
50 Bullets: A Voice for Sean Bell
02:21
In this film three youth from New York City respond to the police killing of Sean Bell. Sean Bell was an African-American man who was shot and killed by plainclothes New York Police Department detectives on November 25, 2006. Bell and two other friends were leaving Bell's bachelor party at a nightclub in Jamaica, Queens when they were shot, in an incident that sparked fierce criticism of the police for the killing of an unarmed man. Bell was to be married later that day. Bell's death came on the 30th anniversary of the shooting death of unarmed Brooklyn youth Randolph Evans who was shot and killed by NYPD officer Robert Torsney in 1976.
Bullies follow you home.
00:59
This simple, moving Swedish film shows us the real impact that bullying has on the daily lives of those who are harrassed. (Artfully done in a public service announcement style.)
Responding to War and Militarism
Jesus turned the tables on local authorities (Mark 2:13-22) and followed God's law even when it meant breaking the government's rules (Matthew 11:9-13). Here are thought provoking messages from youth and adults who are taking responsibility for their actions and are calling their governments to overcome violence.
U.S. Army Lt. Watada Pledges to Refuse Illegal War
03:30
U.S. Army First Lt. Ehren Watada currently faces over seven years in a military prison for his refusal to fight in the illegal war and occupation of Iraq. This is his announcement and explanation of his refusal to fight.
Martin Luther King, "Why I Am Opposed to the War in Vietnam" (audio only)
22:48
Most of us are familiar with Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s renowned "I have a dream" speech, but we are much less familiar with this equally important but more controversial speech outlining his opposition to the Vietnam war.
This speech went on to win a Grammy in 1970 for the Best Spoken Word Recording. This recording provides excerpts of a sermon at the Ebenezer Baptist Church on April 30, 1967.
Middle East Youth Demand Peace With Amazing Video
05:34
OneVoiceMovement.org produced this amazing video and presented it to kings and prime ministers in Davos, Switzerland. Join One Voice in demanding that moderates be heard in asking Israelis, Palestinians, Arabs and Jews, to stop the extremists by supporting peaceful negotiations.
Alternative Service Opportunities
Caring for our neighbors is essential to living out Christ's teachings. The good Samaritan took care of his neighbor even though this action went against society's rules (Luke 10: 30-37). How can today's Christians participate in the paths that lead to life? Here are some organizations that provide productive alternatives to military service for conscientious objectors and others who seek justice-oriented job opportunities.
Americorps
AmeriCorps is a network of local, state, and national service programs that connects more than 70,000 Americans each year in intensive service to meet our country’s critical needs in education, public safety, health, and the environment.
AmeriCorps opens the door for citizens to serve in a variety of ways. Through their service and the volunteers they mobilize, AmeriCorps members address critical needs in communities throughout America.
- AmeriCorps in D.C. Public Schools
07:19
Brief look at some of the AmeriCorps employees in D.C. and why they do what they do, as well as the kids they serve at a D.C. elementary school.
- AmeriCorps*NCCC: In Their Own Words
01:31
Interested in joining AmeriCorps*NCCC (National Civilian Conservation Corps)? Hear what members from the Charleston, South Carolina campus serving in Louisiana and Mississippi have to say.
- AmeriCorps Recruitment Video
08:40
This video displays what AmeriCorps represents, some current and past members, and how to get involved with the program.
Brethren Volunteer Service
Brethren Volunteer Service is persons giving their time and skills to help a world in need. It is a way for people to work at issues greater than themselves, recognizing that their efforts may not immediately solve deep-rooted problems, but can be part of on-going work for justice, peace, and the integrity of creation.
BVS seeks persons willing to act on their commitment and values. We challenge individuals to offer themselves, their time, and their talents to work that is both difficult and demanding, rewarding and joyful.
It is essential that each volunteer bring a willingness to serve. Important work towards peace, justice, meeting the needs of humanity and the environment calls out for persons willing to serve. You can make a difference!
Peace Corps
The Peace Corps traces its roots and mission to 1960, when then Senator John F. Kennedy challenged students at the University of Michigan to serve their country in the cause of peace by living and working in developing countries. From that inspiration grew an agency of the federal government devoted to world peace and friendship.
Today's Peace Corps is more vital than ever, working in emerging and essential areas such as information technology and business development, and committing more than 1,000 new Volunteers as a part of the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief. Peace Corps Volunteers continue to help countless individuals who want to build a better life for themselves, their children, and their communities.
- Ne Y Waoongo (Welcome!)
11:52
Experience a little bit of Africa with Chris Wilson, a Peace Corps volunteer serving in Burkina Faso.
Civil Disobedience
Nonviolence is "love in action." From the biblical story of the Hebrew midwives (who committed the first recorded act of civil disobedience by refusing to carry out Pharaoh's order to kill Hebrew children), to the innumerable movements for nonviolent change taking place around the globe today, human beings have used the power of active, creative, audacious and relentlessly persistent nonviolent civil disobedience to change themselves, their communities and their world. As Christians, our faith calls us now more than ever to join with one another to put love into action by taking dramatic action against war. (Excerpted from www.christianpeacewitness.org)
GOOD Magazine Presents: Object Orange
02:27
This short film is a profile of a group of artists in Detroit who started painting dilapidated buildings "Tiggerific Orange" to bring attention to urban decay. Locals testify to the fact that through their artwork they have contributed to the health of their city.
Teach-in, Peace Training, and Event Planning (1)
09:30
This film provides the beginning on a training in peacework, and the planning of the March 2003 Boeing protest in St. Louis, MO. Teaches a Christian perspective on civil disobedience. They've got a great message--it's definitely worth watching the whole thing. "When one acts on behalf of the innocent and takes that step of advocating for them in a nonviolent way, we are participating in what resurrection was all about." What is your witness?
Social Justice
The gospels tell us over and over that the most important thing we must do as Christians is to love our neighbors (Luke 10: 25-29). But who are our neighbors? And how can we show our love for them? These films give some examples of people who are using their lives and voices to bring a better world into reality as they walk with and advocate for their neighbors.
3D Dialogue: The Catholic Worker Movement
15:27
An interview with Rob Shearer a member of the Toronto Catholic Worker community. Includes a brief history of the movement, from founder Dorothy Day to Catholic Workers putting Jesus' message into action today.
Standing Up & Stepping Out
02:46
Director's uncut reel of Boston based youth speaking their minds about themselves, the community and the world we live in. These youth are a great example and are making change in their own lives. For more info visit: www.teenempowerment.org
Angels Without Wings
07:06
The intimate story of Youth in Action Now, a successful gang-rescue program, and a community's struggle against violence, hate, and hunger.
YIAN, a small grassroots community center, is creating a philosophical shift in how to mentor at-risk youth, steering away from the "scared straight" approach, and instead adopting a philosophy of empowering young people, training them in academia, and the performing arts, with a focus on enacting social change.
Balance
07:39
This film won the Oscar for Best Animated Short, 1990. Balance is a West German film that shows the effect that people living in balance can have on one another when they don't consider one another.
AR-15 - Featured in VH1's "The (White) Rapper Show"
02:58
National lecturer and anti-racist activist performs and gives the audience tips for becoming actively anti-racist.
What does it sound like when two white guys raised on rap speak truth to power? It sounds like AR-15: Jus Rhyme and Raw Potential. This political rap duo parties their way to social justice, with a raucous mix of club anthems and street chants. National lecturer and anti-racist activist, Tim Wise, calls AR-15 "…no bull, radical hip-hop: the kind that has the potential to redefine what it means to be white in the rap game."
The YT Anti-Racism Collaboration: We Can Make a Difference
02:57
This is the first video made by The YouTube Anti-Racism Collaboration. This film is a call from young people around the world to work against racism. "Let's surprise the world with our collective support for what is right, fair, just."
Environmental Stewardship
Being a Christian means obeying God's command to be a steward (or caretaker) for the earth (Genesis 1:26). Here are some films that will equip you to take action to sustain God's creation.
New Communities Project News Service: A humorous enviro-justice news report sponsored by New Communities Project. Commentator Dan "The Man" Radcliff encourages us to change the world Intentionally in this social and environmental justice oriented newscast.
NCPNS Volume 1 7:11
NCPNS Volume 2 6:22
NCPNS Volume 3 8:34
Evangelical Youth Climate Initiative
04:58
In November 2006, thirty leaders from Christian colleges met in Washington D.C. to present the Evangelical Youth Climate Initiative to their faith and elected leaders, demanding swift action on climate change. What does your faith inspire you to tell your representatives?
Blue Man Group Stop Global Warming
01:49
The Blue Man Group gives their unique spin on Global Warming in this brief and engaging video.
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Recycle Please!
11:16
Fourth grade students made these four humorous and well-done commercials to promote recycling. Follow superhero "Recycling Boy" as he cleans up the universe! |
Feature Film Recommendations
A Force More Powerful: A Century of Nonviolent Conflict (3-hour series)
This video documentary explores one of the 20th century’s most important but least-understood stories—how nonviolent “people power” overcame oppression and authoritarian rule all over the world. Part I recounts Mohandas Gandhi’s civil disobedience campaign against the British in India; the sit-ins and boycotts that desegregated downtown Nashville, Tenn.; and the nonviolent campaign against apartheid in South Africa. Part II recounts Danish resistance to the Nazis in World War II; the rise of Solidarity in Poland; and the momentous victory for democracy in Chile. Narrated by Ben Kingsley, it premiered on PBS in September 2000. Available from the Fellowship of Reconciliation. Study guide available online.
An Inconvenient Truth
If the vast majority of the world's scientists are right, we have just ten years to avert a major catastrophe that could send our entire planet into a tail-spin of epic destruction involving extreme weather, floods, droughts, epidemics and killer heat waves beyond anything we have ever experienced. If that sounds like a recipe for serious gloom and doom -- think again. An Inconvenient Truth offers a passionate and inspirational look at one man's fervent crusade to halt global warming's deadly progress in its tracks by exposing the myths and misconceptions that surround it. Watch the trailer here.
Popcorn Peacemaking
Popcorn Peacemaking is a program being developed by the peaceCENTER (San Antonio, TX) that uses popular, readily available videos to explore the history and principles of peacemaking and nonviolence. It is intended for adult and young adult (high school age) audiences. Each study guide for the series consists of a brief historical overview, an explanation of why the film was selected, recommended excerpts for showing and several suggested discussion questions. We also have a suggested format for leading discussions about movies online, contributed by Patricia Coffman.
Promises
PROMISES follows the journey of one of the filmmakers, Israeli-American B.Z. Goldberg. B.Z. travels to a Palestinian refugee camp and to an Israeli settlement in the West Bank, and to the more familiar neighborhoods of Jerusalem where he meets seven Palestinian and Israeli children. Though the children live only 20 minutes apart, they exist in completely separate worlds; the physical, historical and emotional obstacles between them run deep. Watch a preview on their website.
Thermostat
Thermostat is a peacemaking curriculum from Mennonite Central Committee. It includes a DVD and study guide with 33 sessions divided into 7 units: Peacemaking, Imagination, Allegiance, Security, Terrorism, Camouflage and Nonviolence. You can mix and match to choose what interests your group most. Sessions include Bible studies, role plays, personal stories, video clips, dramas, handouts, background reading and more. Though Thermostat is designed for youth groups, the concerns addressed are the concerns of the whole church. Many sessions encourage intergenerational conversation. Watch clips here.
