Robbie Leppzer, who made the movie, has been creating activist documentaries for more than 25 years; however, this one in particular hits close to home.,”

Now is the time to become involved in the political process, according to a new documentary, "The Peace Patriots," coming to Marquette on Monday.

Robbie Leppzer, who directed the movie, has been creating activist documentaries for more than 25 years; however, this one in particular hits close to home.

"This is about dissent in a time of war," Leppzer said. "After the Bush administration said they were going to invade Iraq, I would watch as the protest against the war grew from thousands to millions.

"It grew at a larger and faster rate than Vietnam but received less multimedia attention, and I felt compelled to show, on a personal level, their concerns about war and peace," he said. "This film captures the growth of peace activism in the United States in response to the Iraq war."

Leppzer said teenagers, college students, teachers and war veterans all gathered together in protest, regardless of their age difference. Protesters participated in candlelight vigils, marches, campus strikes and silent performances.

Audiences of all ages are encouraged to use the film in terms of small groups, community showings, libraries, classrooms and on a grassroots basis. Leppzer said viewers are encouraged to connect nonviolence with their duty as citizens to speak out against war.

According to Michael Duffey, professor of theology, Marquette students will find there is a lot of activism going on, and it is not always reported.

"It's everywhere," said Duffey. "Peace activism is an issue that is spreading nationwide."

"The Peace Patriots" just began airing on the Free Speech Television Network, and Leppzer is touring college campuses across the country. Online supporters have already posted reviews of Leppzer's documentary.

"Something as big as the peace movement that sprang up around the 2003 invasion of Iraq is hard to make concrete," said author Shel Horowitz. "The movie humanizes that enormous movement by narrowing the focus to a few activists in one community – the Amherst/Northampton area in Hampshire County, Mass."

Leppzer encourages people to express themselves and inspire others.

"This documentary is a catalyst open for discussion and debate," he said. "My role as a filmmaker is to broaden the public perspective."

"The Peace Patriots" will be showing on Nov. 6 at 7 p.m. in Alumni Memorial Union Ballroom C. The event is sponsored by University Ministry, JUSTICE and the Institute for Transitional Justice.

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