European Premiere

In Competition: Best Documentary

Short Synopsis:

Gene Sharp runs the Albert Einstein Institution, publishing texts that inspire non-violent uprisings such as ‘From Dictatorship to Democracy.’ Timely and life-affirming, this is a powerfully hopeful documentary.

Review

Not many people have heard of Gene Sharp or the Albert Einstein Institution. It operates out of a room in Gene’s house which has been converted into an office with only two staff – himself and his Executive Director Jamila Raqib. And yet if you turn on the news today you will probably see Gene’s ideas in practice in most of today’s political hot-spots.
 
Gene Sharp is the pioneer of non-violent struggle against dictatorships. Founded in 1983, the Albert Einstein Institution publishes Sharp’s works: works such as his flagship book ‘From Dictatorship to Democracy’ that have inspired non-violent uprisings and overthrows of dictators from Bosnia to Syria. Focusing on toppling the social pillars that support corrupt governments and uniting police, military and people against a common enemy, Sharp’s work is enduring and powerful, a ray of hope for oppressed people.
 
How to Start a Revolution is an incredible documentary, interviewing Gene, Jamila and many of the people they have inspired to change the ways whole countries are run. Powerful images and music create a life-affirming atmosphere, only heightened by footage of terrifying regimes falling under pressure from their disenchanted subjects. A hopeful message pervades the film, a truth to be heeded by anyone struggling against oppression: as long as you don’t surrender, you never lose.
 
Orestes Kouzof

30 September 2011 DFG  How to start a revolution
01 October 2011 Prospect magazine  The Machiavelli of nonviolence
04 October 2011 OneWorld  The most influential political thinker of our time?
11 October 2011 Realscreen "How to Start a Revolution" bags Raindance prize
06 October 2011 Louise Hector How to Start a Revolution
21 October Telegraph Gene Sharp: How To Start A frevolution


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London
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