WHY TELL THIS STORY?
Dr Lloyd Axworthy’s legacy has demonstrated what is possible when regular citizens, politicians, governments and nation states work together - at a local level and on the international stage. It offers new generations a kind of wisdom that is quickly disappearing from political landscapes around the world.
If you believe in diplomacy you should support this film.
If you believe that children should be protected from becoming weapons of war, you should support this film.
If you believe that war criminals should be brought to justice, you should support this film.
If you believe that civilians should live without fear of being mutilated by landmines and cluster bombs, you should support this film.
If you believe in supporting refugees fleeing from war, you should support this film.
If you believe that Canada's First Nations People deserve dignity and respect, you should support this film.
If you believe in Human Rights, you should support this film.
If you believe that governments should invest as much in peace building initiatives as on defence spending, you should support this film.
THE UNTOLD STORY OF LLOYD AXWORTHY
Dr. Lloyd Axworthy spent three decades in the trenches of Canadian politics and came up the ranks as a cabinet minister for Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau. But it was years later, as Canada's Minister of Foreign Affairs, that Axworthy would help Canada to attain one of its greatest humanitarian achievements - the Ottawa Treaty, a landmark global treaty banning anti-personnel landmines. Axworthy’s contribution to the Ottawa Treaty would garner him the nomination for a Nobel Peace Prize, but his actions also helped to demonstrate that Canada had the capacity to “punch above its weight” as a global leader.
Following in the footsteps of his mentor Lester B. Pearson, Axworthy believed that Canada had a unique opportunity to position itself as a catalyst for international initiatives that could protect the most vulnerable as a means of creating a safer and more stable world. As such Axworthy adopted the advancement of the “human security concept” as a banner for Canada’s approach to foreign policy. It was a strategy that has faded from Canada’s engagement on the international stage.
After leaving federal politics Axworthy played a pivotal role in establishing the Right To Protect, the International Criminal Court and the Protocol on Child Soldiers, among other global initiatives. As President of the University of Winnipeg, Axworthy was celebrated for his efforts to make post-secondary education more accessible to Canada’s immigrant, inner city and indigenous youth. Now in his 70's, Axworthy continues to advocate for domestic and international policies that promote human security, education, and human rights.
This film shines light on Axworthy’s legacy. It serves a warning that reminds us what is at stake when short-term preoccupation with security overrides Canada’s greater opportunity to play a leading role as an architect of global peace. A meditation on Canadian identity, Axworthy challenges Canadians to re-examine their core values and illuminates what sets Canada apart from the United States and the rest of the world.
What We Need:
We are aiming to raise $40,000 to fund the filming of interviews in Ottawa, Toronto, Winnipeg, New York City, Washington, Montreal, and Geneva with over 20 already confirmed participants. They include:
Former US Secretary of State- The Hon. Madeleine Albright
Former Prime Minister of Canada -The Right Hon. Jean Chretien
Former Canadian Senator - The Hon. General Romeo Dallaire
US Senator - The Hon. Patrick Leahy
Former President of the ICRC - His Excellency Cornelio Summaruga
Founder of Handicap International - Dr. Jean-Baptiste Richardier
Former National Chief Assembly of First Nations - The Honorable Phil Fontaine
Canadian Senator - The Hon. Marilou McPhedran
…and many more!
- Funding will support three days of arial filming with drones over active minefields in a country contaminated by landmines as well as documenting a de-mining team
- Funding will support editing and post-production costs to develop a film festival edit
- Funding will support the creation of a theatrical trailer to promote the film to potential distributors and broadcast markets
