Swarthmore College Department of

Peace & Conflict Studies Blog

Citizen George Film

Join us for a screening of a new feature-length documentary, Citizen George, about the remarkable life and work of George Lakey. George served as Lang Professor and faculty member of the Peace and Conflict Studies Program at Swarthmore College from 2006-2014, and he will join us for discussion after the film concludes!

Date: Monday, November 11, 2024
Time: 7 – 9 p.m.
Location: Science Center 101
Swarthmore College, Swarthmore, Pennsylvania

Citizen George film trailer.

CITIZEN GEORGE presents the life and work of Philadelphia-based Quaker activist George Lakey, a non-violent revolutionary, who has spent his adult life fighting for justice and peace, guided by his ideal of societal transformation. The film moves back and forth in time, highlighting specific events of George’s activist life—including fighting for civil rights, anti-Vietnam War activism, LGBTQ rights, human rights in Sri Lanka and climate justice. In addition to detailing his life as an activist, CITIZEN GEORGE tells George’s personal journey as a husband, father and out gay man. Animated sequences, inspired by graphic novels, illustrate scenes from George’s life. His story provides life-giving lessons to those struggling to make sense of the current troubling political climate, illuminate a path forward, and inspire those willing to work for change to face today’s moment.

CITIZEN GEORGE is directed by Glenn Holsten, a storyteller who creates human-driven films from the arts to the sciences. Glenn has directed nearly two dozen full-length documentaries that have been screened at film festivals, broadcast on public television and cable television, and now are featured on a multitude of streaming platforms. Glenn’s work centers around issues of social justice, mental health and the arts. He is drawn to stories of beauty and struggle, recovery and hope.