Search - PeaceJam on DVD

Columbine High School Massacre Meets the Dalai Lama

Gram Parsons | New Orleans | 03/12/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I first saw the PEACEJAM documentary at the Taos Talking Pictures Festival last April. I was amazed at all the five teenage subjects went through - I started high school in 1971, and PeaceJam clearly lets us know that times have indeed changed - for the worse. Three of five in PEACEJAM were at Columbine High School on April 20, 1999, and their memories of that horrible day weren't adequately covered in Michael Moore's "Bowling for Columbine," as good as that film was. PEACEJAM digs deeper into the psyches of Richard, Shannon and Shelby, and it was alomost surreal watching the footage of Richard Castaldo meeting His Holiness the Dalai Lama for the very first time.I had no idea that a youth education program like PeaceJam not only exists, but is in its 8th year. Apparently the program deals with conflict resolution, religious tolerance, sexual identity issues, ethnicity, racism, anti-nuclear proliferation, gang-related violence, feminist issues, democracy building, indigenous issues, drug abuse, sectarian violence, alcohol abuse, violence in the home, and service learning. That the inventors of PeaceJam have managed to round up 12 Nobel Peace Prize winners like Rigoberta Menchu, Jody Williams and the International Campaign to Ban Landmines, Jose Ramos-Horta, Sir Joseph Rotblat, Betty Williams, Mairead Corrigan Maguire, Aung San Suu Kyi, Adolfo Perez Esquivel, Dr. Oscar Arias, and Archbishop Desmond Tutu for youth to study speaks loudly and clearly for the objectives of PeaceJam and its documentary and companion book. PEACEJAM clearly illustrates the need for compassion in world desecrated by violence toward gay and transgender folks, violence against indigenous peoples, violence toward women, and... so much more. I recommend PEACEJAM to every school teacher, youth counselor, teenager, parent and government official alike. I see that Michael Moore said, "This film should be seen by every American citizen." I couldn't agree more!"

Moving and Inspiring!!

Ms. Moonlight | Los Angeles, CA | 03/12/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"An inspiring, moving, eye opening look into what 2 people can do when their minds are set and determined to create an organization that could change the world. PeaceJam is so obviously a life altering experience for everyone involved. An honest, raw glimpse into various youths lives, you will at once see the positive impact this brilliant organization has. Your hearts will break then soar watching the progress that these kids make through the discovery of PeaceJam and what had led them there in their very rough life journey. Such a rare opportunity for youth to interact with various Nobel Peace Laureates and the effect it has on them is just amazing. I highly recommend sharing this film with people of all ages. The simple way the film was documented only adds to the reality of the stories these kids have to tell. The thought running through my head most as viewing this film was, imagine if all youth around the world were able to have the PeaceJam experience and have people tell them they can do "it" how different our society would be today. A must view film!!!"

An inspirational movie

Brett Engle | Arvada, CO United States | 03/16/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This has everything stated above and more! If you're looking for information on conflict resolution, anger management, gender identity issues, gang-related violence, drug addiction, alcohol abuse, or just the hardships of being a teenager in this new millenium, then this is for you. These kids have had unbelievable experiences ranging from horrific to enlightening, like meeting the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu. Like Michael Moore's Bowling For Columbine, this includes the shooting survivor Richard Castaldo, who shares even more of his story through PeaceJam.
I hope you too can purchase this and really enjoy the effect that it has on your life."

Peace map for unsettled times!

Chris Norton | Venice Fl. USA | 03/16/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"What a unique conceipt teaching peace globally trough our teenagers and nobel peace price winners.Very badly needed in our turbulent times.A must SEE for all generations young and old.The film restores faith in the human race,todays peacejammers are perhapsthe next world leaders! God bless you peacejammers!"