The Non Violence International Film Festival 2008

With all of the problems facing the world today including war, poverty, weapons, environmental degradation, starvation, overpopulation, and severe desperation among millions, people are longing for meaning. Many seek answers in spirituality, but often faith and religion are hijacked by a fundamentalist few who use the name of God to promote their own ends. With this dichotomy in mind, we call upon key religious leaders, politicians, and luminaries in their fields to tackle the most complex issues in the modern age, and we ask what inspires them to affect positive change. The film portrays experiences that provide a new perspective on how non-violent activism and compassion can be effectively used in resolving even the most difficult disputes. The film also gives hope by exploring past and present religious-inspired movements that have resulted in positive change, in addition to documenting the work of great leaders such as Gandhi, Desmond Tutu and the Dalai Lama.