In this galvanizing documentary, professor Howard Zinn recounts his life as a writer, educator, and leader in nonviolent social protest. His story is one of being in "the right place at the right time," from poor beginnings, working in shipyard unions, fighting in WWII as a bomber pilot, and then launching his academic career as one of the first white professors to teach at the historically black Spelman College in Atlanta, Georgia. He helped spark the civil rights protest there, and soon moved to Boston College where he became a key figure in organizing anti-Vietnam protests. The historical span of the film concludes with Zinn protesting the war on Iraq. Known as the author of the best-selling A PEOPLE'S HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES, Zinn is a charismatic, well-spoken man whose devotion to telling the truth about America--and working to set things right--is inspiring. Viewers may come away from this film ready to grab a picket sign and head off to the nearest rally. The documentary captures a year in Zinn's life, including his winning of the 2003 Prix des Amis du Monde diplomatique. Testimonials from the likes of Alice Walker (a student of Zinn's at Spelman) and Noam Chomsky put his contributions to the peace and civil rights movements in a broader perspective. Matt Damon narrates and the score includes songs by Woody Guthrie, Billy Bragg, and Eddie Vedder.

"It's an excellent introduction to a man whose thoughts on war, peace and dissent have become increasingly influential in ever more confusing times."
-- TV Guide's Movie Guide

"Mr. Zinn delivers a challenge when he says, 'To be neutral and to be passive is to collaborate with whatever is going on.' Democracy he defines as 'not just a counting-up of votes' but a 'counting-up of actions.'"
-- New York Times

"A solid introduction to Zinn's life and work, even if the result doesn't dig too deeply or present any real opposing viewpoints."
-- Oregonian

"'Compassion' is a word the man himself uses a lot, and it's what makes the film so invigorating. Ending the movie with eloquent words about how to live a hopeful life, he is 82 and he continues to fight for what he believes in."
-- St. Paul Pioneer Press

"An example of film editing at its finest: Ellis and Mueller combine archival footage, contemporary interviews, voice-over narration (by Matt Damon) based on Zinn's writing, and music with a skill that can only be borne of thoughtful contemplation."
-- Film Journal International

"The sparkle of Zinn, who as a liberal toiling for decades for the common man yet seeing so many of them continue to vote instead for the side that wishes them such ill might be expected to have become embittered, remains as bright and infectious as ever."
-- BoxOffice Magazine

# Director: Denis Mueller, Deb Ellis
# Encoding: Region 1 (U.S. and Canada only. This DVD will probably NOT be viewable in other countries. Read more about DVD formats.)
# Format: Color, Closed-captioned
# Rated: NR
# Studio: First Run Features
# DVD Release Date: May 24, 2005
# Run Time: 78
# ASIN: B0007TKOSC

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