"[O]ne of the most hopeful and inspirational films you'll ever see." Stephen Zunes, Prof. Politics, University of San Francisco

CITIZEN GEORGE presents the life and work of Philadelphia-based Quaker activist George Lakey, a non-violent revolutionary who has worked his entire life for justice and peace, guided by his ideal of societal transformation.

CITIZEN GEORGE moves back and forth in time, highlighting specific events of George's activist life—including fighting for civil rights, anti-Vietnam War activism, LGBTQ rights, human rights in Sri Lanka and climate justice. In addition to detailing his life as an activist, Citizen George tells George's personal journey as a husband, father and out gay man. Animated sequences, inspired by graphic novels, illustrate scenes from George's life.

Since the age of 19, George has been conscious of his life's purpose—to use whatever gifts he has to work for justice and peace. Today, at 86 years of age, George's message of a nonviolent revolution is more urgent than ever.



Grade Level: 10-12, College, Adults
US Release Date: 2024     Copyright Date: 2024
DVD ISBN: 1-961192-29-2

Reviews "An awesome story of an awesome man - who shows that all of us have a deep role to play in standing up to power and opening new possibilities for justice." Bill McKibben, Environmentalist, Author, Educator, Journalist, Founder of Third Act "This is more than just a good biographical film. It is a call for action. It's about the importance of thinking strategically. It's about the connections between the personal and political. It's about overcoming fear and self-doubt to make a difference in the world. Citizen George is one of the most hopeful and inspirational films you'll ever see." Stephen Zunes, Professor of Politics, Director of Middle Eastern Studies, University of San Francisco, Author, Nonviolent Social Movements: A Geographical Perspective "A powerful tribute to a great activist leader and social movement mentor. If you don't know about George Lakey's extraordinary career there's no better way to learn than taking in this panoramic portrait of a life well lived in pursuit of peace and justice." Mark Engler, Co-author, This Is an Uprising: How Nonviolent Revolt Is Shaping the Twenty-First Century "Citizen George is a well-timed documentary that offers important lessons for navigating today's era of political conflict with hope and courage...Community plays a complementary role in many of George's stories. Although the film features George, in most scenes, he is part of a group. Even the making of this film was a communal experience...As people brace for the coming election and its aftermath, we need to remember that what we can face together is much greater than what we can face alone." Eileen Flanagan, Waging Nonviolence "Citizen George is an inspiring tribute to George Lakey's lifelong dedication to peace and justice. Lakey's prophetic voice shines through in this film, offering a vision of inclusive community and leadership rooted in both vulnerability and rigorous, systematic study. The film's portrayal of his personal journey, including his coming out story and enduring rejection, invites us to see Lakey as a true 'channel of peace.'" Deeb Paul Kitchen, Associate Professor of Sociology, Director of Peace and Justice Studies, Marian University "Citizen George is not only about one person, it is also a testimony to the power of organizing and movements for real change through nonviolent action. This earnest exploration of a life dedicated to peace invites us to ask how we might be better, do better, and then points the way through the story of nonviolence. George's persistent hope will inspire you in these contested times and teach you how to dance with history for effective social change." Mike Klein, Associate Professor and Director, Justice and Peace Studies, University of St. Thomas "The humanity of Citizen George is refreshing. This is a powerful testament to the power and importance of strategic nonviolence in a world that often fails to interrogate its violent dominant cultural discourse. This film can used in a classroom to explore themes of commitment, dedication, the complexities of intersectionality and critiques of white saviorism, action research, and, of course, strategic nonviolence. Even someone familiar with the work of George Lakey will learn more about his life and the socially constructed resistance to his counter-cultural ideas from watching this engaging film." Jeremy Rinker, Associate Professor of Peace and Conflict Studies, University of North Carolina-Greensboro "The story of George's life is a look into the history of American social movements of the last 70 years. More than that, it is an inspiration for activists today; it is a manual for individual empowerment through collective action for social change. This film offers hope, guidance, and a reaffirmation of the power of people. We need George's vision today more than ever." Mark Leier, Professor of History, Simon Fraser University, Author, Roles of Resistance: Game Plans for Teachers and Troublemakers "We need more George Lakeys - his is a story of hope. He is the community organizers' organizer. This is the story of a person deeply invested in making the world a better more humane place, where love and peace provides a counter narrative that the world only moves forwards with violence." Greg Carroll, Professor of Peace and Conflict Studies, Associate Director, Center for Childhood and Youth Studies, Salem State University "Citizen George is a powerful, thought-provoking call to action. This invitation to non-violent protest as a catalyst of change is profound and crosses all identities we may carry. I truly recommend that this film is shown to all audiences." Sue Patterson, Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging, Pennsylvania State University-Altoona