I Cannot Be Silent: Testimonies of Peacemaking

Producer: Vic Compher

This intergenerational film documents elder peace advocates sharing their adventures in peacemaking and their timely wisdom with young people. Their stories address historical and current violence: escape from slavery; opposition to war; childhood escape from a Nazi concentration camp; and opposition to urban gun violence. The youth and young adults share at times their own experiences of trauma with these remarkable older adults, who advise them compassionately on ways to heal emotionally and to promote peace and social justice in our world.

Vic Compher, (Director and Executive Producer) is a filmmaker, poet, and licensed clinical social worker who has in the last 8 years produced three documentary films featuring older adults, with whom he has worked closely. “Treasures of the Elders” depicts ways in which many of these persons rediscover and develop even more creative and artistic interests and skills in their later years, in contrast to prevailing stereotypes about their decline. In his second documentary, “I Cannot Be Silent: Testimonies of Peacemaking”, he explores the lives of five seniors who have made a vital contribution to peacemaking in Philadelphia and the world.

Carol Murray (Producer) won two regional Emmy awards and two Pennsylvania Broadcasters Association Awards; she writes, produces and directs television short and long-form programming. With expertise in social marketing she develops culturally-sensitive media and outreach/education materials and coordinates and implements media advocacy campaigns emphasizing public health issues and coalition building.

Tim Fryett( Editor), is a graduate of the fine arts program of the University of Pennsylvania. In addition to editing a series of mostly local documentary film projects, he has spent the last few years working in art education and building renovation.