Watch Missing Peace: Women of Faith and the Failure of War
- 2004
- 45 min
Missing Peace: Women of Faith and the Failure of War is a powerful and moving documentary that tackles the devastating impact of war on women and communities, and the vital role that women of faith play in building and sustaining peace. The film is directed by award-winning filmmaker Cathy Zheutlin and was released in 2019. Through a series of interviews with women from diverse faith backgrounds, the film highlights the shared experiences of women affected by war and conflict around the world, from Syria to Colombia to Uganda. These women offer firsthand accounts of the violence, displacement, and trauma they have experienced, as well as their tireless efforts to rebuild their lives and communities in the aftermath.
The film also explores the impact of militarization on women's rights and freedoms, and the ways in which women often bear the brunt of the violence and displacement caused by war. It raises important questions about the role of governments, international organizations, and civil society in preventing and resolving conflict, and shows how critical it is to include women's voices and perspectives in peacebuilding efforts.
The film features a range of faith leaders and activists who have been at the forefront of peacebuilding efforts in conflict-affected communities, from Sister Rosemary Nyirumbe, a Ugandan nun who runs a school for girls who have been abducted by the Lord's Resistance Army, to Rabbi Lynn Gottlieb, a Jewish peace activist who has worked with Palestinian and Israeli women to build bridges across divides.
In addition to highlighting the important work of these individuals, the film also examines the broader frameworks and policies that shape peace and conflict at the global level. It raises important questions about the role of militarism and the arms trade in perpetuating conflict, and offers insights into alternative approaches to peace and security that prioritize human rights, social justice, and gender equality.
Throughout the film, viewers are invited to see the world through the eyes of these brave and resilient women, and to bear witness to the devastating impact of war and conflict on their lives and communities. But the film also offers hope and inspiration, showing the remarkable resilience and strength of these women, and the transformative power of faith and collective action in building a more just and peaceful world.
Overall, Missing Peace: Women of Faith and the Failure of War is an important and timely film that offers a powerful critique of the destructive and ineffective approaches to conflict that have dominated global politics for far too long. It celebrates the vital role that women of faith play in building peace and justice, and highlights the urgent need to prioritize their perspectives and experiences in efforts to create a more just and sustainable world.