About this project

This documentary film is a study of the lives of activists in the anti-war movement. Through the lens of several well-known activists and dynamic organizations, this film investigates the different types of activism and the personal experiences that bring these people together to create a movement. The film was shot between June ‘08 and March ‘10, in Washington DC, New York, Colorado, Atlanta, and Minnesota. The film draws upon 120 hours of footage and interviews to paint a comprehensive and intimate picture of the world of activism. 

What does it mean to stand up for what you believe in? 

Making yourself heard in today's ideologically-charged world is a courageous action. Those who express their opinions defiantly, outwardly, and in public are taking action to stand up for their beliefs. These individuals perpetuate free speech by setting aside social acceptance and, at times, personal safety, to speak truth to power. 

These people are known as Activists.  And this film is the story of their lives.

This entire project has been funded, little by little, by the makers of the film. Each step of the process has been completed with money scrimped from savings and paychecks. Many of the contributors to the film (the camera operators, transcribers, editors, and researchers) have worked for little or no money simply because the subject matter moved them, and they wanted to contribute to the cause.  The final cut of The Activists is now being edited and a little boost from you will get it to the finish line. Funding for archival footage, music, and other post-production elements is necessary for completion. We've come so far, and are so close to screening the film, but we need your help now to get our film to the public. 

A special message from the director, Melody Weinstein:

Your contribution will help pay for: 

Purchasing archival footage, images, and music 

Professional fees (editor, composer, researcher, transcriber)

Post-production fees (sound design, color correction, DVD printing, duplication)

Film festival submissions

The art of independent filmmaking and the spirit of the First Amendment!

Kickstarter operates on an all-or-nothing funding model, which means if we don't raise our total goal of $15,000 we won't get funded at all. Your contribution matters!

Meet the producers:

Melody Weinstein and Michael Heaney

Michael T. Heaney is Assistant Professor of Organizational Studies and Political Science at the University of Michigan.  Michael received a Ph.D. in Political Science and Public Policy from the University of Chicago in 2004. Prior to coming to the University of Michigan in 2009, he taught at Yale University and the University of Florida.  He served as a Congressional Fellow for the majority staff of the U.S. House Committee on Energy and Commerce in 2007-2008.  Michael's research on the politics of the antiwar movement has been published in numerous scholarly journals, including Mobilization: An International Journal, Perspectives on Politics, Qualitative Sociology, American Politics Research, and Research in Social Movements, Conflict and Change.  With Professor Fabio Rojas of Indiana University, he is writing a book titled Politics in the Streets: The Antiwar Movement and the Democratic Party after 9/11.  This research has been reported widely in the mass media, including stories on National Public Radio, the Wall Street Journal, ABC News, Fox News, the Denver Post, CQ Weekly, The Hill, In These Times, Inside Higher Ed, The Washington Times, The Miami Herald, and The San Antonio Express.

Melody Weinstein is a journalist & filmmaker whose bio can be read here -->   Melody received her B.A. in International Studies from the University of Chicago and her M.A. in Broadcast Journalism from New York University. She has worked in and around the documentary film industry for 7 years, earning awards and recognition along the way. Her most recent work as a videographer for the PBA special 4 Days at Dragon*Con earned an Emmy Award.  

Interviewing Brian Becker in Washington, DC, Summer 2008.

Interviewing a father and daughter at the RNC, Minneapolis, St. Paul, Sept. 2008.

Melody and Michael met while both were studying at The University of Chicago in Hyde Park in the late 90's, and reunited years later to make a film about activism and the anti-war movement. Melody brings filmmaking experience and technical skills to the table, while Michael's research, writings, and knowledge form the basis for the film. Working together, Michael and Melody compiled over 100 hours of footage, including in-depth interviews with many leaders and visionaries in the anti-war movement.  This film promises to be the most comprehensive account to date of the current anti-war movement in the United States.

Help us reach our goal of $15,000 and be a part of history!

Filming a WCW No Torture demonstration, DNC 2008, Denver, CO.

Interviewing Tom Hayden at the DNC 2008, Denver, CO.

Filming while Geoff Millard (IVAW) adds another tattoo to his collection.

Thank you for taking the time to read about our film. Every little bit helps, your contribution is deeply meaningful to everyone who has worked on this project. 

Thank you for helping us make our dream a reality!