My OperaHistory of Czechoslovakia Velvet Revolution
Tuesday, May 18, 2010 10:06:50 AM
New film narrated by Jeremy Irons documents the history of Czechoslovakia from World War II up to the Velvet Revolution in 1989. Companion educational materials and a 28 page color booklet were also created to accompany the award winning film. To find out more, see below.
Film Description
Narrated by Academy Award winner Jeremy Irons, "The Power of the Powerless" explores Czechoslovakia's legacy of communist rule and the struggle against it: From the iron-fisted Stalinist government of the 1950s; through the vibrant and politically active Prague Spring of the 1960s; the hard-line backlash of the 1970s; and finally the bloodless revolution of 1989. At the heart of the film is the story of blacklisted playwright Václav Havel and his fellow dissidents who, for two decades, spoke out against totalitarianism. The film culminates with the student-led movement in Prague, which sparked 1989's Velvet Revolution and drew a half-million people into the streets, catapulting Václav Havel into the presidency. The documentary features rare and never-before-seen interviews with key figures of the Velvet Revolution including Václav Havel. The participation of young Czechs in the film, who reveal that much of their country's recent history has already been forgotten, makes the film all the more pertinent for young viewers. Directed by Primetime Emmy Award winner Cory Taylor and completed in 2009, "The Power of the Powerless" has already been broadcast in 40 countries on 10 television networks, featured in 20 international film festivals, won multiple awards, and is currently being used by human rights organizations to encourage dissidents struggling in non-democratic countries including Burma. Click here to see the trailer. <http://www.thepowerofthepowerless.org/trailer>
CD-ROM Educational Materials Description
Packed with lessons, maps and resources for teachers, a companion CD-ROM and booklet were developed to help students and others gain a comprehensive understanding of this historic period. These materials delve deeper into the biographies of those featured in "The Power of the Powerless," and expand on the documentary's themes, exploring subjects such as the abuse of authority, and the importance of civic engagement. Through exposure to the Czechoslovak experience under communism, students will be challenged to examine today's pertinent human rights issues while gaining a deeper appreciation for the importance of promoting and defending human rights. Two educational versions of the DVD, booklet and CD-ROM Teacher Support Materials are now available for university and secondary schools. Educational Version 1.0 is licensed for k-12 schools, individuals, nonprofits, and civic organizations while Educational Version 2.0 is licensed to colleges and universities.
DVD Release Discount
20% DISCOUNT offered to the first 100 teachers, schools, universities, libraries and civic organizations to purchase any products from our website. To make a purchase, just go to www.thepowerofthepowerless.org/store and use Coupon Code VELVET2010.
Massimo is a history teacher in Greater Los Angles and dedicated to helping people discover Eastern European videos of the velvet revolution
