Prayer of Peace - reviews

School Library Journal - September 2008

Prayer of Peace: Relief & Resistance in Burma's War Zones. DVD. 28 min. Choices Inc. 2007, 2008 release. ISBN 978-1-933724-21-8. $19.95.

Gr 9 Up—The recent horrific typhoon which struck Myanmar in Southeast Asia focused the world's attention on the incredibly callous military dictatorship currently in control of the country formerly known as Burma. The scenario of a cruel autocrat backed by a well-equipped modern army attempting to eradicate an ethnic group inside his country which opposed his rise to power is all too familiar both historically and today. The independent producer of this moving documentary portrays the plight of the native Karen people as they are pursued throughout the region's largest country in an effort to document the many charges against the ruling junta. Interviews with soft-spoken refugees about their endangerment include English subtitles along with a well-paced, smooth narration to pointedly illustrate their perilous predicament. The assistance provided the potential victims of genocide by outside agencies and their own Free Burma Rangers fighting force is emphasized. The film's six chapters are also available individually on the DVD. Bonus features include a short film, This Is My Home, by the same producer documenting the country's dilemma and the human rights violations leveled against the country's leaders; the complete program in the native language of the Karen, which will hopefully be a source of inspiration for them; and a lesson plan/guidebook which includes a list of Web sites offering current information about this heartrending holocaust in the making.—Dwain Thomas, formerly Lake Park High School, Roselle, IL

Video Librarian - July/August 2008

Prayer of Peace: Relief & Resistance in Burma’s War Zones
(2007) 28 min. DVD: $19.95. Choices, Inc. PPR. ISBN: 978-1-933724-21-8.
The massive devastation recently wrought by Cyclone Nargis, combined with the brutal repression of Buddhist monks engaging in pro-democracy demonstrations, have brought intense international attention to military-ruled Myanmar (formerly Burma). But Prayer of Peace focuses on a much longer running example of ongoing cruelty and misery here—the plight of the Karen people, a minority ethnic group struggling for autonomy (ever since the country became independent after World War II) who have been systematically attacked by the reigning military junta. Filmmaker Matt Blauer’s brief documentary features Karen villagers testifying about having to flee from their homes to refugee centers across the Thai border, and also follows the efforts of relief workers to bring food and medical supplies surreptitiously into Karen territory. One can’t help but be moved by the stories of these displaced but stalwart villagers, or footage of ill and injured children being cared for in makeshift infirmaries. Yet viewers will also be heartened by the work being done by volunteers (under intensely difficult conditions) to help the beleaguered Karen people. DVD extras include the featurette “This Is My Home,” which offers a brief account of Burmese history from the Karen perspective; an alternate version of Prayer of Peace in the Karen language; and a lesson plan and guidebook. Recommended. Aud: C, P. (F. Swietek)

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