In today's conflict-ridden world, peace can seem elusive. That only makes its pursuit all the more important, according to Convenor of Peace Studies at the University of New England (UNE), Dr Marty Branagan.
In its 37-year history, hundreds of individuals graduating from UNE’s Peace Studies have gone on to play a pivotal role in propagating seeds of peace internationally, nationally and at grassroots levels.
“Former students include the Pro-Vice Chancellor (Academic) at Solomon Islands National University; a Commissioner for Trade in Nigeria; and the Head of the Church of Scotland’s Legal Department,” said Marty. “One graduate founded a Cairo NGO where people impacted by poverty, war and displacement are learning the transformative power of theatre, drama and art; while another designed a Smartphone project to assist new Americans to navigate social and humanitarian services in their neighbourhood using their own languages.”
Far from being a purely academic course, Peace Studies at UNE is practical and powerful.
"Many of our students come from places of turmoil, including some of the poorest communities on Earth," Marty said. "They come to UNE to learn so that they can return home and assist with peace-building."
For the past decade, Peace Studies has contributed to peace education by hosting the Nonviolent Film Festival.
This year it opens on Monday 6 May with the acclaimed documentary Shadow World, about the global arms trade. Other films to be shown include Prison Songs, featuring Indigenous inmates seeking to maintain their cultural identity in a Northern Territory prison, and Sacrifice Zone, which explores the unprecedented coalition of farmers, Traditional Owners and conservationists that formed to protect farmlands, sacred sites, forests and the water table from coal mining and coal seam gas.
Screenings of Venezuela: Revolution from Inside Out and A Simpler Way will round out the program, with this final film preceded by drinks and nibbles to celebrate the festival's 10-year anniversary.
Screenings start each day at 1pm at the Oorala Lecture Theatre at UNE. Entry is free and members of the public are welcome.
For further information, contact Dr Marty Branagan on 6773 3951 or at mbranag2@une.edu.au
