Episode 1 — India, Nashville, and South Africa

Episode 2 — Denmark, Poland, Chile

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For the Television Series:

“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

“A thoughtful new documentary that magnifies the moral victories of the 20th century… remarkable archival footage… there are no fictional characters or trumped up dialogue here; the filmmakers let participants speak in their own voices…”
–The Christian Science Monitor

“…rich in archival footage and thoughtful interviews…. The stories are inspiring, sometimes awesome.”
–The Washington Post

“Outstanding… a veritable manual on how to mount a successful nonviolent resistance movement….”
–The Los Angeles Times

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

“…beautiful footage… this film is eloquent testimony to the power of the people’s desire to be free.”
–Time Out New York

“…this is a lovely, rich documentary… a rousing look at 90-some years of nonviolence….”
–Seattle Weekly

For the Film:

Emmy Nomination – Outstanding Historical Program
Gold Hugo Award – Chicago International Television Competition
Chris Award – Columbus International Film and Video Festival
Silver Screen Award – U.S. International Film and Video Festival
Jan Karski Award for Films of Moral Courage
Telly Award
Gold Special Jury Award – WorldFest Houston International Film Festival
Moxie Award for Best Documentary – The Santa Monica International Film Festival

Official Selections: Seattle International Film Festival, Human Rights Watch Film Festival-London, Nashville Independent Film Festival, Maine International Film Festival, Newport Beach International Film Festival, Sedona International Film Festival, Santa Barbara Film Festival

Note: The film on this page includes a minor alteration (from the original version) that directs viewers to the International Center on Nonviolent Conflict website.

Credits for the original film include:

Produced and Directed by Steve York
Series Editor and Principal Content Advisor: Peter Ackerman
Managing Producer: Miriam Zimmerman
Editor: Joseph Wiedenmayer
Executive Producer: Jack DuVall

This film is available in:

A 16-page Study Guide designed for high school and college use is offered as a free downloadable PDF file. Available in English, Arabic and Spanish.

The Study Guide contains program synopses, background information, pictures, descriptions of nonviolent strategies, maps, timelines, discussion questions, research activities, and additional resources.

There is also a free Community Resource and Discussion Guide in English (PDF) and Spanish (PDF).

You can find more educational resources on civil resistance in Amharic / ኣማርኛ and over 65 languages in our Resource Library.

Many of these are available for free download.

We are proud to announce that five critically acclaimed documentary films on civil resistance are now available for free streaming on our website, in an array of languages:

A Force More Powerful: Emmy-nominated documentary exploring nonviolent resistance campaigns in India, South Africa, Poland, Denmark, Chile and the U.S.

Bringing Down a Dictator: Award-winning documentary chronicling the student-led Optor! Movement that led to the ouster of Serbian dictator Slobodan Milosevic.

Orange Revolution: The 17 days of nonviolent resistance by the people of Ukraine against their chronically corrupt government.

Confronting the Truth: Examining the dynamics and mechanics of Truth and Reconciliation Commissions in South Africa, Peru, East Timor and Morocco.

Egypt: Revolution Interrupted?: Recounting the 2011 Egyptian revolution and its aftermath.

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