User login

At the end of the eighteenth century, a small group of men and women from diverse walks of life are drawn together by a common aim: to change public opinion in England and cause Parliament to end the African slave trade. There is an admiral, a play-write, an ex-slave, a Cambridge graduate, a former slaver captain and William Wilberforce himself—playboy and closest friend of Prime Minister Pitt.

Friday, December 16, 2011 - 18:22

This film is a unique profile of Madame Irène Laure, a member of the French Resistance who, in the rubble of post-war Europe, discovered forgiveness to be a force stronger than hatred. 'I longed for the total destruction of Germany,' she recalls, 'that it would no longer exist... [but] hatred, whatever the reason for it, is always a factor in causing a new war.' Irène Laure travelled to Germany shortly after the end of hostilities and spoke of her experience of forgiveness to thousands of people.

Friday, December 16, 2011 - 17:50

This film is about two Kenyans - one black, one white. Stanley Kinga was in the Mau Mau, a secret society formed to liberate the country from British colonial rule. Alan Knight, a farmer, was commandant of a prison camp during the Mau Mau uprising. They both found themselves in situations where their consciences were deeply troubled. As the film unfolds, Knight and Kinga share their experiences of forgiveness. They demonstrate that it is possible 'to love thine enemy',and for enemies to become friends.

Friday, December 16, 2011 - 17:42

The first all-African color film made in Africa. 'Beautifully photographed and impressively presented.' - Hollywood Reporter, 1957 'Surprise success at the Berlin Festival (1957) has been scored by an unusual film called FREEDOM.

Friday, December 16, 2011 - 17:30

Set amidst the sights and sounds of India, with original music by Hariprasad Chaurasia, this film is a profile of Rajmohan Gandhi, grandson of Mahatma Gandhi. In his capacities as journalist, author and member of the Upper House of the Indian Parliament, Rajmohan's message and example confronts corruption, caste prejudice and religious intolerance. He says of his grandfather, 'his struggle has to be continued, the evils he fought have to be fought. I would like to accept that challenge'.

Friday, December 16, 2011 - 17:08

Subtitled 'Two Christian encounters with Buddhism' and filmed in Cambodia, France and England, this film depicts the extraordinary spiritual journeys of Father François Ponchaud, a French Catholic priest who works in Cambodia, and Mother Rosemary SLG, an English Anglican nun, who leads a life of prayer in an enclosed convent in Oxford.

Friday, December 16, 2011 - 17:02

'These two very beautiful films show that Cambodia is not only a country prey to war and unending violence, but also a place where the great virtues of Buddhism – tolerance, non-violence and compassion – are practised.’ King Norodom Sihanouk

Friday, December 16, 2011 - 16:52

This 20-minute film is based upon a contemporary Cambodian poem interwoven with sayings of the Buddha. It juxtaposes scenes of life in Cambodia today with stunning images of mediaeval Khmer art on the one hand and the tragic legacy of the Khmer Rouge on the other. The film is pervaded by haunting indigenous music. The poem asks whether the smiles on the ancient carvings of Cambodia's temples are 'frozen and lifeless' - whether, after the violent deaths of millions of Cambodians, the Khmer culture is also 'dead.

Friday, December 16, 2011 - 16:45

This 20-minute DVD is based on the only full-length interview given to a professional film crew by Buddhist Master and Nobel Peace Prize nominee Venerable Maha Ghosananda. Venerable Ghosananda speaks with profundity, gentleness and, at times, with mirth. He warns of the dangers of deforestation and illustrates the value of fostering a non-violent attitude towards nature. He expounds on the philosophy of the dhammayietras or peace marches - which became the most sustained mobilisation of monks and nuns for a social cause in the history of Cambodian Buddhism.

Friday, December 16, 2011 - 15:07

More than one thousand people were killed following disputed elections in Kenya at the end of 2007. Imam Muhammad Ashafa and Pastor Jame Wuye - former militia leaders turned peace-makers from Nigeria - were invited to mediate in the worst-affected district. This film depicts their dramatic bid to bring healing and reconciliation after death and destruction.

Tuesday, November 16, 2010 - 12:41

IofC in Brief

Who we are: Initiatives of Change (IofC) is a world-wide movement of people of diverse cultures and backgrounds, who are committed to the transformation of society through changes in human motives and behaviour, starting with their own.

 

Purpose: We work to inspire, equip and connect people to address world needs, starting with themselves, in the areas of trustbuilding, ethical leadership and sustainable living.

 

 

Omnia Marzouk, President, IofC International
'Nothing lasting can be built without a desire by people to live differently and exemplify the changes they want to see in society.'