‘Peace Has No Borders’ raises important questions about a soldier’s responsibility doing combat in times of war not to commit war crimes. This film tells a compelling and important story.”
—Michael McPhearson, Executive Director, Veterans For Peace
During the Iraq and Afghan Wars, veterans from the United States crossed the border to Canada seeking relief and refuge from serving in what they viewed as unjust and immoral wars. Today, little is heard from the men and women who made a stand when the wars were raging. Peace Has No Borders gives voice to veterans who refused complicity.
Peace Has No Borders takes place within the backdrop of a previous migration to Canada. Between 1965–1973, over 50,000 Americans made their way across the border seeking refuge from what is now widely recognized as a misguided war. Forty years later Canada faces the same political dilemma—to give refuge to U.S. veterans who have refused participation in the U.S. led wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Peace Has No Borders tells a complex story that weaves the resisters’ personal struggles against the backdrop of the political power of the Canadian government and demonstrates how one decision of conscience can affect the rest of your life.
We owe a debt to a current generation of soldiers who have had the courage and moral fortitude to say “no.” ‘Peace Has No Borders’ is an important story about a brave group of men and women who chose to seek refuge in Canada instead of participating further in the Iraq and Afghan Wars.”
—Daniel Ellsberg, Pentagon Papers
Run time: 64 Minutes; Closed Captioned
Deb Ellis and Denis Mueller Co-Directors
Deb and Denis make films that examine significant social and political movements. The FBI’s War on Black America is a rigorous examination of the FBI’s infamous COINTELPRO program. It remains a relevant cautionary story about the dangers of government surveillance. Howard Zinn: You Can’t be Neutral on a Moving Train (short-listed for an Academy Award in 2005) looks at the history of social movements of the 20th century through the eyes of activist and historian Howard Zinn. Peace Has No Borders is their most recent documentary, reflecting on the impact of social activism and war.