SDH Captioned
Grades 7 - 12, College, Adults
Directed by Matthew Eddy, Michael Dreiling
DVD Purchase $25
US Release Date: 2017
Copyright Date: 2017
DVD ISBN: 1-941545-80-7
Subjects
Awards and Festivals
Best Social Benefit Documentary, Eugene International Film Festival
Grand Prize, I Will Tell International Film Festival, London
Best Exposé Feature Documentary, Peace on Earth Film Festival, Chicago
Best Documentary, Pembroke Taparelli Arts & Film Festival, Hollywood
Big Sky Documentary Film Festival
Honorable Mention, Workers Unite Film Festival
New Haven International Film Festival
Ethnografilm Festival, Paris
DOCUTAH International Documentary Film Festival
Global Peace Film Festival
Utopia Film Festival
CineAid Film Festival
Almost 70 years ago Costa Rica abolished its army and committed itself to fostering a peaceful society. It has been reaping the benefits ever since.
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"Excellent film...Certain to stimulate discussion on policy choices regarding military spending and human security." Dr. JoAnn Aviel, Prof, International Relations, San Francisco State |
In his famous "Cross of Iron" speech in 1953, President Eisenhower critiqued the military-industrial complex while asking, "Is there no other way the world may live?" In Costa Rica today, we glimpse another way to live.
In 1948, Costa Rica dismantled their military establishment and intentionally cultivated security relationships with other nations through treaties, international laws, and international organizations. Free of the burden of military spending, they used the financial savings to invest in their people, creating strong public institutions including public higher education and universal health care. In short, Costa Ricans created a society committed to peace, solidarity, and international law. They have survived with safety and relative prosperity for nearly 70 years without a standing army.
A BOLD PEACE details the events which shook the country to its foundations, culminating in the 1948 civil war and the decision to abolish the military. Over the decades, the Costa Rican model has survived several serious crises, but the current threats may be the most formidable of all.
Reviews
"This is a story that every American with a political pulse should know."
"A fascinating documentary...Tells the remarkable story of war avoided, or transcended, again and again and again...By the film's end, this way emerges not simply as possible, not simply as a curiosity, but as the model for the future."
"One of the most enlightening films of our times."
"A Bold Peace captures the spirit of my father and the soul of my country."
"A Bold Peace should be given every possible means of support."