From the environmental protests of the 1970s, to the growing global peace, social justice and environmental movements of the new millennium, filmmaker Robbie Leppzer has chronicled grassroots social movements over the last four decades.

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Click on film title for more information.

 

COLUMBUS DIDN’T DISCOVER US

Indigenous Perspectives on the Columbus Legacy

Indigenous people from North, South and Central America speak out about the devastation of their cultures resulting from the European invasion, contemporary struggles over land and human rights, the importance of reviving spiritual traditions, and the need to alert the world to the environmental crises threatening the survival of the planet. (Updated 2021 version). Also included, FROM PLYMOUTH ROCK TO STANDING ROCK. Nationally broadcast on Free Speech TV. 51 minutes.

 

"The naked truth of the Columbus legacy is revealed.  A must for the classroom." 

—Stephanie Betancourt (Seneca), Native American Education Program, New York City Public Schools

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THE PEACE PATRIOTS

A Primer on Dissent in a Time of War 

An intimate portrait of American dissenters, including teenagers, college students, war veterans, teachers, clergy, and community activists, as they take part in vigils, marches, teach-ins, theater performances, and civil disobedience sit-ins to protest the start of the U.S. war in Iraq. Nationally broadcast on Free Speech TV. 78 minutes.

 

“In a time of sadness, thinking of the dead and maimed on both sides, this film gives us hope and inspiration.”

—Howard Zinn, Author of A PEOPLE’S HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES

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AN ACT OF CONSCIENCE

Standing Up For Your Beliefs Begins At Home 

The story of a family in western Massachusetts whose home was seized by federal marshals and IRS agents after they publicly refused to pay federal taxes as a protest against war and military spending. Narrated by Martin Sheen.  Produced in association with HBO/Cinemax. World Premiere, Sundance Film Festival. Nationally broadcast on HBO/Cinemax, Sundance Channel, Link TV, and Free Speech TV. 90 minutes.

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"AN ACT OF CONSCIENCE is one of the most deeply moving films I’ve seen in years. Seeing this movie lifts your spirits, exhilarates, and offers hope.”

—Studs Terkel, Author of WORKING and HARD TIMES

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HARVEST OF PEACE

A Citizen-To-Citizen Peace Effort in Central America 

U.S. volunteers travel to a war zone in Nicaragua during the height of the U.S.-backed Contra war in the mid-1980’s to harvest cotton in a unique citizen-to-citizen peace effort. World premiere, Telluride Film Festival. Best Nonfiction Film, San Antonio Cine Festival. Nationally broadcast on Free Speech TV. 29 minutes.

 

“A striking evocation of Nicaragua’s struggle and a moving expression of America’s best response.”

—Andrew Kopkind, THE NATION

 

SEABROOK 1977

A Seminal Protest of 1970’s Environmental Activism 

A chronicle of a seminal event of 1970’s environmental activism when 1,414 people were arrested in a civil disobedience protest at a nuclear power plant under construction in Seabrook, New Hampshire and jailed en masse in National Guard armories for two weeks. Nationally broadcast on Free Speech TV and WGBY-TV, PBS, Springfield, MA. 80 minutes.

 

“SEABROOK 1977 is an invaluable historical document about one of the critical issues of our time.”

—Howard Zinn, Author of A PEOPLES’ HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES

 

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