Watch Disarm

Disarm (Desarme) is a gripping and emotional documentary that explores the ways in which guns have impacted the lives and livelihoods of people across the world. Directed by Mary Wareham, the film is a must-watch for anyone interested in the topics of gun control, disarmament, and peace. The documentary begins with the story of Brian Steidle, an American observer for the African Union who was deployed to Darfur in 2004. Steidle was horrified by the atrocities he witnessed and he became determined to take action. However, he quickly realized that the proliferation of weapons was a major obstacle to achieving peace in the region. This is the starting point for the film's exploration of the complex and wide-ranging issues related to disarmament.

The film takes us on a journey around the world, from the streets of Chicago to the war-torn territories of Syria and Yemen. Along the way, we meet a diverse cast of characters who share their personal experiences with guns and their effects. These include survivors of mass shootings, victims of domestic violence, former child soldiers, and advocates for disarmament.

One of the most moving segments of the film features Shannon Watts, the founder of Moms Demand Action. Watts became an activist for gun control after the tragic shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School, which claimed the lives of 20 children and six adults. She talks about the intense online harassment and death threats she has received for her advocacy work, and how she has persevered in the face of adversity. Her story is a powerful reminder of the courage and resilience of those who stand up for what they believe in.

The film also features interviews with experts in the field of disarmament and gun control, including Rebecca Peters, the former director of the International Action Network on Small Arms (IANSA). These interviews offer valuable insight into the political and policy issues surrounding disarmament, and help to contextualize the personal stories shared by the film's subjects.

One of the standout moments of the film is a segment featuring the work of the Arms Control Observatory in Mexico. This organization, founded by Regina Martinez, works to track the flow of arms in Mexico and to expose the networks of corruption and violence that enable their proliferation. The film shows how Martinez and her team use innovative data-driven methods to shed light on this complex issue, and to push for change in Mexico's gun policies.

Disarm is a beautifully made film that blends personal stories with expert analysis in a way that is both informative and emotionally impactful. The film is gorgeously shot, with stunning visuals that capture both the beauty and the brutality of the world we live in. The soundtrack, composed by Lorne Balfe, is haunting and evocative, adding to the emotional weight of the film.

Perhaps the most important message of the film is that disarmament is not just a political or policy issue, it is a deeply personal one. The film's subjects are not just statistical figures, they are real people whose lives have been forever changed by the presence of guns. Disarm asks us to confront the human toll of these weapons, and to consider what we can do to create a more peaceful world for ourselves and for future generations.

Overall, Disarm is a thought-provoking and deeply moving film that will stay with audiences long after the credits have rolled. It is a shining example of the power of documentary filmmaking to educate, inspire, and effect change.