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A Force More Powerful

Published on June 26, 2001

Documentary Outreach: "A Force More Powerful: A Century of Nonviolent Conflict"

A dramatic media and education initiative is actively promoting the power of nonviolent resistance. "I hope that people will see that not every leader has to be a Gandhi or a King, but that they can help effect change on a small or local scale and succeed," said Steve York, Producer and Writer of the documentary series "A Force More Powerful: A Century of Nonviolent Conflict". The six-part documentary, narrated by Ben Kingsley, premiered in September on PBS in two 90-minute sections. A co-production by York Zimmerman Inc. and WETA, the series showcases the heroes, tactics, and strategies of six nonviolent campaigns that changed the course of history in the 20th century.

Presenting stories of successful nonviolent movements around the world, the documentary series explores the triumph of nonviolence as a powerful tool in the struggle for political freedom and human rights. Covering nonviolent movements in the U.S., India, South Africa, Denmark, Poland, and Chile, researchers used material from 50 archives. "A Force More Powerful" chronicles examples of nonviolent sanctions - including boycotts, demonstrations, sanctions, sit-ins, and strikes - that have been used successfully against oppressive regimes and social systems. These history-making stories of nonviolent action are told through interviews with leaders and eyewitnesses-including James Lawson and Nobel Peace Prize winners Lech Walesa and Desmond Tutu.

Large scale community outreach and education projects have been designed around "A Force More Powerful". "Communication is essential for nonviolent action. With it, this series will light a spark," said Peter Ackerman, Series Editor and Principal Content Advisor.

"The documentary, and the accompanying educational materials and book, will likely serve as an inspiring 'how-to' manual for people around the world struggling for human rights and freedom against oppressive regimes." -- Richard H. Solomon, President of the U.S. Institute of Peace.

EDUCATIONAL OUTREACH

Several companion materials have been designed to mobilize public recognition of the power of nonviolent resistance. York Zimmerman Inc. and WETA spent $500,000 to develop and distribute outreach materials in association with the national broadcast of "A Force More Powerful".

  • A high school and college Student Study Guide, designed for classroom use, is available to libraries and schools free of cost. The guide is designed to expand on the series' stories. The 16-page guide contains program synopses, background information, descriptions of nonviolent strategies, maps, timelines, discussion questions, research activities, and resources. It can be ordered by calling 1-877-444-9382.

  • An eight page, tabloid-size, Community Resource and Discussion Guide has been designed for informal educational use by both adult and youth groups and is also available free of cost. This guide contains program-related feature stories, discussion questions, suggested reading lists, and a historical timeline. It is distributed by WETA, public television stations nationwide, and the World Affairs Council of America . To order the guide, e-mail your request to kzill@weta.com.

  • Institutions can purchase one of the 6 part series for $89.95 or the entire series for $399 from Films for the Humanities and Sciences. These prices include public performance rights. For home use you can call 800-257-5126.

  • There is also a companion hardcover book, "A Force More Powerful : A Century of Nonviolent Conflict" by Peter Ackerman, Jack DuVall, which you can purchase from Amazon.com.

PARTNERSHIP EVENTS

The producers created alliances with the following organizations who hosted preview screenings and other events:

  • The Democratic National Committee

  • The Embassies of India, Poland, and South Africa

  • The National Association of Black Journalists

  • The American Political Science Association

  • The Council on Foreign Relations

  • The United Nations

  • "A Force More Powerful" is being shown by non-governmental agencies to dissidents in dictatorial regimes around the world. The series was recently presented to the former opposition leaders in Serbia.

"Tens of thousand of young militants all over the world are joining violent movements, and they don't even know that nonviolent resistance is not only an option but in some cases part of their own nations' histories... It won't work to tell these young firebrands that it is morally preferable to be nonviolent. With 'A Force More Powerful', we can show them that it can be just as, if not more, effective as a way to fight for their rights." Jack DuVall, Executive Producer of the PBS series, longtime writer and former television station executive, speech writer in three presidential campaigns, and counterintelligence officer.

FILM AND OUTREACH FUNDING

Major funding for the documentary series was provided by Susan Perry Lerner. Additional funding was provided by the Albert Einstein Institution, Elizabeth and John H. Van Merkensteijn, III, Abby and Alan Levy, and the Arthur Vining Davis Foundations.