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Nonviolence Frame GrabA Force More Powerful, a three-hour, two-part documentary series reveals one of the 20th century's most important but least understood stories how millions chose to battle the forces of brutality and oppression with nonviolent weapons and won.

With archival footage and interviews with witnesses and survivors, Force tells six stories of successful nonviolent movements which used strikes, slowdowns, boycotts and massive demonstrations to topple dictators, foil military invaders, establish democracy and win human rights. Here are the heroes, some known, some unsung, who changed the course of the 20th century. Their power flowed not from the barrel of a gun but from discipline and from shrewd tactical planning.

Tracing how the movements inspired, borrowed from and built on each other, the series begins in 1907 with a young Mohandas Gandhi, the most influential leader in the history of nonviolent resistance, as he rouses his fellow Indians living in South Africa in a nonviolent struggle against racial oppression.

Part One chronicles how Gandhi refines and expands the nonviolent weaponry he discovered in South Africa as he leads India's campaign for full independence from Britain in the 1930s. It also reveals a new angle on the American civil rights movement in 1960, then returns full circle to South Africa, this time in the 1980s as activists help dismantle the apartheid system.

Part Two recounts how Danish citizens resist the Nazi Occupation, how striking Poland ship workers band together in Solidarity to fight communism head-on in 1980, and concludes in 1988 Chile where seven million citizens overcome their fears about the power of dictator Augusto Pinochet and participate in a special election which throws him out of office.

A Force More Powerful aired on PBS in September 2000.

A Force More Powerful was also released as a 110-minute documentary film in late 1999. The film won the Gold Special Jury Award at WorldFest Houston International Film Festival, and The Moxie Award for Best Documentary at The Santa Monica International Film Festival. It was an official selection at the following festivals: the Seattle International, the Human Rights Watch-London, the Nashville Independent, the Maine International, the Newport Beach International, and the Sedona International.

"Journalistically, A Force More Powerful brings much honor to PBS and the individuals and groups that funded the film. The film is a work of art because, first, it is a work of fact."
- Colman McCarthy, The National Catholic Reporter

"In a time when there are so few authentic heroes, A Force More Powerful shows all of us, young and old alike, people who take principled risks far beyond their own self-interest."
- Nat Hentoff, Syndicated Columnist

"An important, carefully made, and fascinating documentary that investigates nonviolent resistance movements that have succeeded around the world."
-The Christian Science Monitor

"...rich in archival footage and thoughtful interviews ... The stories are inspiring, sometimes awesome."
-The Washington Post

"Expect more than a passive chronicle of nonviolence ... A Force More Powerful's stark footage and personal stories add drama to the history of a 20th century movement."
- Los Angeles Times

"Splendid work. It explains and elucidates — just about the best missions that television can achieve."
- The Hollywood Reporter

  • Emmy Nomination – Outstanding Historical Program
  • Gold Hugo – Chicago International Television Competition
  • The Chris Statuette – Columbus International Film & Video Festival
  • Silver Camera – U.S. International Film and Video Festival
  • Winner – 2nd Annual Jan Karski Film Competition
  • Telly Award

DVDs of A Force More Powerful are available in the following languages: Arabic, Burmese, English, Farsi, French, Hebrew, Indonesian, Italian, Mandarin, Russian, Spanish and Vietnamese.

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For more information, including lesson plans, recommended reading and useful websites, visit www.aforcemorepowerful.org