Nonviolence For A Change, Non Violent Direct Action, Quaker Peace & Social Witness (2001)

Nonviolence for a Change
(Film/Video, Just Us Productions, September 2001)

http://www.cultureshop.org/details.php?code=NV4C

The right to take direct action on issues we strongly believe in is a right protected in all free nations. But what is nonviolence? Can it be effective? Is property damage violent? Should all direct action be nonviolent? This film follows several non-violent activists, they explain why for them, violence against other people is deeply counter-productive. (from £5.00)

Active nonviolence is a positive approach to working for change. It requires a respect for all involved as human beings and tries to use methods that are consistent with the end that is being sought. However, each individual has their own interpretation of what constitutes active nonviolence. This video and the questions it raises may help you reach your own position.

We have followed three campaigners, from very different backgrounds and with different experiences, as they explore their visions of nonviolence.

Alison Matthias - recently graduated and now works for the campaigning organisation People and Planet. She has been put off large-scale demonstrations by the images of violence that she has seen in the media.

Martin Shaw - is a full time activist who has been involved in a wide range of social change issues including helping to organise economic globalisation protests in Seattle and Prague. He has doubts about the effectiveness of violent protests in the long term.

Ellen Moxley - is a peace campaigner. She was part of the Trident Ploughshares action that openly caused £80,000 of damage to the nuclear missile programme. After five months in prison she was found not guilty.

For more information about nonviolence training contact Turning the Tide - 0207 663 1064 or [email protected]

This video was made by JustUs Productions on behalf of the Turning The Tide Programe of Quaker Peace and Social Witness. Its production has been financially supported by the Joseph Rowntree Charitable Trust, 1970 trust and others.