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To buy our other titles, or if you have any questions,
please use the contact form at the bottom of this page.

Why all the different versions?

• You might not know it, but when you buy a DVD, you are only buying the right to use that DVD in a specific way.  Just because you have bought a DVD, it doesn’t mean you have the legal permission, for example, to show it in a movie theater and charge admission to other people.
• “Home use” is what most people need, the right to watch at home by yourself or with friends and family, or to give to someone else as a present.  Home use does not include the right to show to the general public or to show it at a a school.
• “School and Organizational use” is for K-12 schools, public libraries and all manner of organizations  - such as community groups, religious groups, political groups, almost every kind of non-profit organization.
• “College and University”  also known as “Instiutional use” is for use in the bigger institutions, such as colleges and universities.
• None of these allow you to legally charge admission.  The right to charge admission is an entirely different matter, and you can contact us directly for that.
• Is this fair?  Well, we think it is.  Making films is very expensive and we rely on sales to you to recover the enormous costs of making each of our films.  If you are just one person, it isn’t fair to ask you to pay a large amount.  So we keep the Home use price low.  On the other hand, if you are a large institution, we hope you have access to resources from all the people you are going to show the DVD to, and so can reasonably afford to pay more.
• What if you have limited resources and still want to get some public use rights?  Well, please feel welcome to contact us.  We made these films to be seen and to help people.  Lets see if we can help.

Other questions?  Need more ordering info?  Use the form below:

From cradle to grave, from perfect to painful, the story of the mother-daughter bond is explored in intimate detail and epic scope; revealing a core experience within every woman’s life. From over 500 interviews, the film follows 40 women and girls in key moments of the mother-daughter relationship, including a remarkably diverse group of American women of every age, race, and experience. From birth to death, these stories from ordinary American women define the mother-daughter bond as it endures and changes over a lifetime.

Minute by minute, we see a series of moving individual mother/daughter stories; yet by the end, the cumulative effect reveals a universal mother-daughter story that is true for us all: the cycle of life, a repeating pattern of comings together and drawings apart; the union of pregnancy followed by the separation of birth; the sweet closeness of childhood to the stormy estrangement of adolescence; the reconciliation and sharing during adulthood yielding to aging, passing away and eventually to the renewal of the coming of next generation.

 To see excerpts from the film, click here.

The Story of Mothers and Daughters
By Catherine Ryan, Gary Weimberg, Judith Leonard
72 min. (feature length version—never broadcast on TV)
(no subtitles, no close captioning – sorry!)

Awards:

• CINE Golden Eagle
• Bronze Apple from the National Educational Media Network
• Silver Hugo from Chicago International Television Festival
• Chris Award from the Columbus International Film & Video Festival
• Chosen for Best 5  films of Our First 15 years list, Rocky Mountain Women’s Film Festival

Press and Academic Praise:

	“A miraculous, perfect little film … you owe it to yourself to see it.” - Eric Mink, New York Daily News Click here to read more >>
Alexandra Todd, Professor of SociologySuffolk University	“A very important film that skillfully defines the overlooked but foundational mother-daughter bond.   A documentary which can be successfully used in any class which explores women’s lives, be it sociology, psychology, biography, or political science.”
	“Lovely…brims with insights, emotion, and honest tears. Try not to miss it…television at its best.” - Howard Rosenberg, LA TIMES Click here to read more >>
Coretta Scott King	”A very important and long overdue film which so beautifully demonstrates the healing, creative power of a sacred bond. This film reminds us that mothers and daughters share a profound destiny, for we give birth to the future.”
	“Fothcoming and honest … from childbirth to death, each story is touching.” - Carole Horst, Variety Magazine Click here to read more >>
Sue C Fisher, Professor of Sociology Wesleyan University	“Should be part of any gender studies curriculum. This film provides a breadth and depth that would illuminate any intellectual exploration of women’s reality, with a marvelous combination of sociological rigor and documentary storytelling.  I found myself both deeply moved and informed.”
	“Poignant and often painful…refreshingly free of Hallmark moments…” Click here to read more >>
	“You will likely see no documentary anytime soon that will touch you as will The Story of Mothers and Daughters … what emerges is the rhythmic breathing of life itself…” Click here to read  more>>
	“An intimacy sometimes hard to bear suffuses ‘The Story of Mothers & Daughters.’ … It seems nothing is off limits … The camera and the conversation goes full circle, from birth to death and back, and the good, bad and indifferent variations on the theme.” Click here to read more >>
	“Skillfully produced and directed …  a fast trip through stages in a relationship fraught with exhilarating highs and devastating lows. But it’s one whose images and impact stay with you.”
	“A superbly crafted production worthy of big screen play… All mothers and daughters should make a point of watching.” Click here to read more >>
Oprah Winfrey	“This is the perfect gift for Mom!”

Personal Testimonials

“4 months ago I gave birth to my first child, a baby girl.  7 years ago, I lost my mother in an auto accident and I still mourn her. Your documentary helped me to put some things to rest, to clarify and understand others, and to take another step along the path of life, being grateful for the years I had her rather than regretting the years I don’t. Thank you for sharing this beautiful piece of art and human understanding.” -Rachel Zurier

Your documentary, The Story of Mothers and Daughters, is fabulous.  I am pregnant with a girl and was at first anxious, then neutral about having a daughter.  Now I am excited!  Thank you for helping me realize how unique and special every mother daughter relationship is, even if it’s not perfect.  I’m buying two copies for new moms I know.  Thanks again.   -  Alisa Gray

“I bought this film as a mother’s day present for my mom and ending up watching it with her and my 3 sisters.  We laughed and cried and then talked late into the night about our own feelings.  It was wonderful, the best and most meaningful Mother’s Day we’ve ever had.  We plan on watching it every year as a family tradition.  Thank you for making this film.   -   Jeanette Simon

“I wanted to share with you how meaningful this film was to my family. My grandmother was terminally ill and living with us, very weak and very ill, but very aware of all that was going on around her. The hospice staff was surprised that she was hanging on.  All of us were having trouble talking about the end of this great woman’s life. On the night “Mothers and Daughters” was televised, all three generations watched it together – my grandmother, my mother, and I. So much of the video was right where we were living, and it was incredibly poignant for all of us. Afterwards, my mom was able to talk to her mother about her impending death for the first time.    Two days later, my grandmother passed away.  This film and its beauty and honesty made letting go a little easier for all of us.”  – Natalie Halliday

 I wanted to tell you. My daughter is 15 and we have had our moments in these “teen” years. During the film, she reached over and held my hand!  I can’t tell you how wonderful that was.     Thanks for sharing your film with us!!   - Carol Dreysse

I can’t tell you how wonderful the film is — or no, stop, that’s wrong — yes, I CAN tell you how wonderful it is.  I lost my mother in October of last year and she and I were the best, the very best of friends.  The film really moved me so much.  And yes, I cried (and paused the DVD several times) and cried some more.  I would have loved to have seen it with her — how truly special that would have been to have shared this with her.Thank you so much for making such an incredible film.  For mothers and daughters everywhere.  A tribute to them, in honor of them, in memory of them.   - Hunter

I just watched this documentary on PBS.  My relationship with my mother has always been complicated and tense.  Since becoming a mother myself I seem to have both more anger and more understanding regarding some of my mother’s decisions.  This film touched me deeply and I would love for my neighbor and dear friend to see it as well.  She is mourning the death of her mother.  As the anniversary of her mother’s death approaches — March 31st — we have been having many talks about both our experiences as mothers as well as our relationships with our own mothers.  I will be buying a copy of this film for her.  It is so powerful and so important.  My friend would really benefit from seeing it as well.  Thanks so much.” – Shelly Costa

“Thank you so much for making such a special film. I cried the whole way through. It touched me so much. I ran my boyfriend out of the room with my tears!  I’m going to watch it again and make him stay. maybe then he’ll start to understand…” - Michelle Swanson

“I was adopted.  I never knew my birth mother.  Then,  your DVD arrived in the mail in an unmarked package with no return address.  As I watched your program, somehowI became sure that it was a gift from my birth mom to me.  Even though there was no name on it,  I just feel so sure is was from her.  So your film actually changed my life.  Now, I believe that in some way, my birth mom is watching out for me.  She knows where I live, and for whatever reason, choose your DVD to communicate, at last, to me.  Thank you.”   - Anonymous

“Thanks for the beautiful web videos.  My daughter just recently gave birth to my first grandchild. Now that she is a mother of a beautiful daughter, we are celebrating four generations and sharing this documentary with my mother, daughter and granddaughter on Mother’s Day, it will be a gift to us all.    I cannot wait to see this film in it’s entirety.  Thank you for the honesty in presenting the complex relationships between mothers and daughters.” – Cassandra Wilson

Meet legendary professor Marian Diamond- the pioneering 84-year-old neuroscientist, grandmother, and YouTube sensation who wants to help you enrich your brain.

Eight Iraq War soldiers face the most difficult moral decision of their lives:  to kill or not to kill.

Each is torn between the demands of duty and the call of conscience.

A realistic, yet optimistic look at war, peace, and the power of the human conscience.

About this trailer:   Parental guidence is strongly advised.     

Although the trailer does not have graphic images of war inappropriate for children, it’s subject matter concerns killing and the morality of killing – topics that can be upsetting to many, including war-veterans and children.

Emmy Award Nomination, 2009.
Winner – 5 “Best Documentary” Awards.
PBS broadcast on POV, the premier non-fiction television showcase in the USA.
Average audience: 2.5 million households.
Supported by a grant from the Sundance Documentary Film Program.

86 minute and 52 minute (classroom length) versions available.

This is a profoundly balanced film about a mostly taboo topic: killing in war.  We made it to start discussions and to encourage mental-health for soldiers.  Conscientious objectors, families of members of the armed services, as well as active-duty individuals of all kinds have told us how much they appreciate and learned from this film.

It has been screened at high schools, colleges and universities;  from West Point (yes, the US Military Academy!) and various Veterans Administration Hospitals,  to civilian peace activist groups, as well as at traditional peace churches (Quakers, Mennonites), and other faith communities (Catholic, Baptists, Buddhists and Jews.)

We are especially proud of it’s use as a PTSD prevention tool, and strongly urge families of members of the armed services to use this documentary as a way to learn more about the mental wounds soldiers suffer.

Reviews:

“Thursday Night’s Best: A-” – Entertainment Weekly

“Has an eloquence and passion that will open hearts as well as eyes.”  - Paula Nechak, The Seattle Post-Intelligencer

“It’s a modest, unpretentious film, and more affecting for it. Conveying not just the grimly harrowing circumstances of modern combat but also a real sense of the bright, mature, and morally serious minds that terrible crucible has forged.” – San Francisco Magazine

“Weimberg and Ryan have created one of the rare breed of documentaries that have a point of view, but don’t try to manipulate viewers into sharing it.” – Martin Stillion, Christianity Today

“…gives American soldiers from all walks of life the opportunity to speak openly and honestly about their moral concerns regarding their military duties.”  - Jason Buchanaon, NY Times.com

“A thoughtful, challenging, and remarkably wide-ranging examination of the nature of war and its alternatives.” – John Hartl, The Seattle Times

“Wonderful…deeply personal…reminds us that the burdens soldiers and Marines carry in the desert heat are far more complex and long lasting than we can possibly know.” – Bob Kerr, The Providence Journal

“The movie takes its own calm, even-handed approach… Directors Gary Weimberg and Catherine Ryan don’t pull any punches … a film that stirs things up.” – Robert Horton, The Everett Herald (WA)

“Never presumes to tell you what to think. It simply makes it impossible for you not to.” – John Brummett, The Morning News (AR)

“The film is a thought-provoking look at the central purpose of war that invites viewers to reflect not only on their own perspective but also on the other side of the coin.” – Army Times

“Tears at the heart.” – Beth Ashley, Marin Independent Journal

“Thoughtful.” – Jan Stuart, Newsday

“Thoughtful…fascinating…tight and balanced storytelling.” – Moira Macdonald, The Seattle Times

“Gripping and real…through the eyes of soldiers.” – Bryan Fung, NW Asian Weekly

“This chilling documentary explores how we condition our children to bypass their morals.” – Lindy West, The Stranger (Seattle)

“Doesn’t just preach to the choir…voices from across the ideological spectrum.” – Frank Paiva, Seattle Weekly
“Although most Americans would prefer not to think about Iraq, Soldiers of Conscience is required viewing for anyone living with this war… Serving in the military is an honorable profession, and Soldiers of Conscience explores the difficult area where honor, duty, morality and choice intersect and then collide.” – Wyatt Montaner, BeyondChron.org

“This film is an important new tool in efforts to promote peace and understanding between Muslims and non-Muslims and Arabs and non-Arabs in the United States and abroad.” – Fatema Haji-Taki, Islamic Insights.com

“Illuminating…[one of] my five movies to look for during the Atlanta film festival.”- Felicia Feaster, Creative Loafing (the weekly entertainment newspaper of Seattle)

“Must-see.” – Bob Longino, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

 

	“Soldiers of Conscience doesn’t berate one view and glorify the other, but instead looks honestly at the moral conscience at play in each, allowing the soldiers’ experiences to paint the complex pictures. This film asks us to try something new bythinking something new — by listening to voices that have walked a difficult road.” - Kaitlin Barker, Sojourners Click here to read more >>
	“The film is a thought-provoking look at the central purpose of war that invites viewers to reflect not only on their own perspective but also on the other side of the coin.” - Chuck Vinch, Army Times Click here to read more >>
	“Thursday Night’s Best: A-.” - Entertainment Weekly Click here to read more >>
	“Weimberg and Ryan have created one of the rare breed of documentaries that have a point of view, but don’t try to manipulate viewers into sharing it.” - Martin Stillion, Christianity Today Click here to read more >>
	“Accessible to pacifists and warriors alike. The soldiers’ candid and deeply personal reflections remind us that in war human beings make choices they must live with the rest of their lives.” - Claire Schaeffer-Duffy, National Catholic Reporter Click here to read more >>
	“It’s a modest, unpretentious film, and more affecting for it. Conveying not just the grimly harrowing circumstances of modern combat but also a real sense of the bright, mature, and morally serious minds that terrible crucible has forged.” - San Francisco Magazine Click here to read more >>
	“This thoughtful and disquieting film…explores the fundamental contradiction between the killing required by war and the remorse required by humanity.” - Glenn Garvin, The Miami Herald Click here to read more >>
	“Although most Americans would prefer not to think about Iraq, Soldiers of Conscience is required viewing for anyone living with this war… Serving in the military is an honorable profession, and Soldiers of Conscience explores the difficult area where honor, duty, morality and choice intersect and then collide.” - Wyatt Montaner, BeyondChron.org Click here to read more >>
	“This film is an important new tool in efforts to promote peace and understanding between Muslims and non-Muslims and Arabs and non-Arabs in the United States and abroad.” - Fatema Haji-Taki, Islamic Insights.com Click here to read more >>
	“Engaging and challenging. If you want to think hard about morality of war, and the effects of war on some men who served in Iraq, I would recommend watching POV’s Soldiers of Conscience. For each, whether continuing to obey orders and fight, or choosing to lay down their arms and not kill again, was using the conscience God has given us as human beings.” - Fr. Ted Bobosh Click here to read more >>
	“Has an eloquence and passion that will open hearts as well as eyes.” - Paula Nechak, The Seattle Post-Intelligencer Click here to read more >>
	“A thoughtful, challenging, and remarkably wide-ranging examination of the nature of war and its alternatives.” - John Hartl, The Seattle Times Click here to read more >>
	“Thought-provoking…an unbiased look at soldiers who sincerely believe that the killing of war is at times morally justifiable, juxtaposed with those whose conscience have forced them to set down their weapons and answer to a higher calling for peace.” - Andrew Gorby, Center on Conscience and War Click here to download .pdf >>
	“Wonderful…deeply personal…reminds us that the burdens soldiers and Marines carry in the desert heat are far more complex and long lasting than we can possibly know.” - Bob Kerr, The Providence Journal Click here to read more >>
	“The movie takes its own calm, even-handed approach… Directors Gary Weimberg and Catherine Ryan don’t pull any punches … a film that stirs things up.” - Robert Horton, The Everett Herald (WA) Click here to read more >>
	“Never presumes to tell you what to think. It simply makes it impossible for you not to.” - John Brummett, The Morning News (AR) Click here to read more >>
	“Tears at the heart.” - Beth Ashley, Marin Independent Journal Click here to read more >>
	“Thoughtful.” - Jan Stuart, Newsday Click here to read more >>
	“Thoughtful…fascinating…tight and balanced storytelling.” - Moira Macdonald, The Seattle Times Click here to read more >>
	“Gripping and real…through the eyes of soldiers.” - Bryan Fung, NW Asian Weekly Click here to read more >>
	“This chilling documentary explores how we condition our children to bypass their morals.” - Lindy West, The Stranger (Seattle) Click here to read more >>
	“Illuminating…[one of] my five movies to look for during the Atlanta film festival.” - Felicia Feaster, Creative Loafing Click here to read more >>
	“Must-see.” - Bob Longino, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution  Click here to read more >>
	“I found myself humbled and moved by the film…a candid, eloquent and truly provocative discussion amongst soldiers from all sides of the story, that transcends the noisy bluster of political rhetoric and gives a clear, uncensored voice to the young men and women who are charged with protecting our nation.” - Matt Glaser, TheZong.com Click here to read more >>
	“EXCELLENT…a MUST SEE for all conscientious people.” - Catholic Peace Fellowship Click here to read more >>

 

For more about the film:

www.soldiers-themovie.com

including lesson plans, downloadable photos, resources, and more

 

Publicity:

Interview on NPR, Gary Weimberg speaks about SOLDIERS OF CONSCIENCE

LT COL Peter Kilner writes about SOLDIERS OF CONSCIENCE

“To Love One’s Enemies”
A tool for beginning discussion.
Joshua Casteel recounts his experiences as a Christian and as a solider.
6 minutes

Excerpted from the award winning PBS documentary “SOLDIERS OF CONSCIENCE”
One of the few true and fair documentaries about war.

Screened at both the US Military Academy, West Point; as well as at Quaker and Mennonite peace churches.

Used in therapeutic settings in VA facilities for veterans and health care providers, and also used by activists at political events.

Broadcast on PBS and around the world, as well as shown in theaters, homes, churches, and community gatherings.

View this short clip for yourself and see if it starts a conversation inside you.

Soldier or civilian,
war-fighter or conscientious objector,
this film was made to represent us all.

Camilo Mejia  “Killing Changes You”
Soldiers of Conscience Vignette – a tool for beginning discussion
Length:  4:45

Excerpted from the award winning PBS documentary “SOLDIERS OF CONSCIENCE”
One of the few true and fair documentaries about war.

Screened at both the US Military Academy, West Point; as well as at Quaker and Mennonite peace churches.

Used in therapeutic settings in VA facilities for veterans and health care providers, and also used by activists at political events.

Broadcast on PBS and around the world, as well as shown in theaters, homes, churches, and community gatherings.

View this short clip for yourself and see if it starts a conversation inside you.

Soldier or civilian,
war-fighter or conscientious objector,
this film was made to represent us all.

One of my very favorite videos we’ve made for teaching channel.

Thank you Stephen Rutherford, the inspiring teacher profiled here.

A tool for beginning discussion.
Sgt Jaime Isom talks about when your nation asks you to kill.
3 minutes

Excerpted from the award winning PBS documentary “SOLDIERS OF CONSCIENCE”

One of the few true and fair documentaries about war.

Screened at both the US Military Academy, West Point; as well as at Quaker and Mennonite peace churches. Used in therapeutic settings in VA facilities for veterans and health care providers, and also used by activists at political events. Broadcast on PBS and around the world, as well as shown in theaters, homes, churches, and community gatherings.

View this short clip for yourself and see if it starts a conversation inside you.

Soldier or civilian,
war-fighter or conscientious objector,
this film was made to represent us all.

“The Right Way Out”
A tool for beginning discussion.
6 minutes

Excerpted from the award winning PBS documentary “SOLDIERS OF CONSCIENCE”
One of the few true and fair documentaries about war.

Screened at both the US Military Academy, West Point; as well as at Quaker and Mennonite peace churches.

Used in therapeutic settings in VA facilities for veterans and health care providers, and also used by activists at political events.

Broadcast on PBS and around the world, as well as shown in theaters, homes, churches, and community gatherings.

View this short clip for yourself and see if it starts a conversation inside you.

Soldier or civilian,
war-fighter or conscientious objector,
this film was made to represent us all.