Impact & Distribution (cont’d)
The success of Fahrenheit 911, which depicted, among other things, various myths and absurdities which led to the ill-fated war in Iraq, demonstrates the power of the documentary genre to diffuse ideas. But the film’s tendentious, polemical style also had a polarizing effect in the US. In contrast, the creators of “Revolution” are committed to bringing people of different perspectives together by focusing on questions which transcend political, cultural and ethnic attachments. We also give voice to opposing sides on controversial issues – even when a clash of views creates disquiet among those in front of the camera, and those in front of the screen.

The attitudes, concerns and values of young people today are often quite different from those of their predecessors. The experiential wisdom that comes from waging a non-violent struggle in the past is not necessarily transferable to, or even welcomed, by those who inherit liberty. By “holding up the mirror” and exploring this contrast, in whatever form it takes, dramatic tension is created. The filmmakers at Agora Productions believe this will provoke audiences to question their assumptions and reach beyond what is comfortable to arrive at a greater understanding of the past, present and future.

Agora Productions’ intent is: (1) to secure international cinematic and television distribution for the films in the series “Revolution,” (2) to circulate each film widely and promote the series within the film festival circuit, and (3) to achieve international distribution through NGOs and educational venues. Agora Productions will follow a similar approach to its theatrical, TV, NGO and educational venue distribution as was carried out for its first film in the series, "The Power of the Powerless."

“The Power of the Powerless,” which details the inspiring story of Czechoslovakia’s nonviolent Velvet Revolution, was screened in select U.S. theaters, seen in 30 countries on TV networks such as NHK-Japan, ABC-Australia and Histoire-France, screened at 26 international film festivals, and won multiple awards. In addition, the film’s companion curriculum is now being used by universities around the world including Stanford, Harvard, USC, Vanderbilt, Duke, Brown and many others.

Lastly, for its potent pro-democracy message, a number of international human rights organizations including People in Need (PIN) one of Europe’s largest, are currently distributing “The Power of the Powerless” through discreet channels to encourage dissidents seeking freedom through nonviolent means. Countries and regions where the film is being promoted by human rights organizations include the Middle East, Burma and Cuba. On the DVB satellite channel (Democratic Voice of Burma), “The Power of the Powerless” has already reached 10 million households inside Burma’s totalitarian state. To see the trailer for "The Power of the Powerless" or learn more go to www.thepowerofthepowerless.org/trailer.