Syracuse Peace Council Hosts

Debut of Documentary on War Resister:

Former Marine Jimmy Massey and Film Director Joe Stillman

to Speak at Screening

A recently completed documentary, From Mills River to Babylon and Back…the Jimmy Massey Story, will kick off an eleven-city Upstate New York tour at 8:00pm on Wednesday, May 27^th at the ArtRage Gallery (505 Hawley Ave.) in Syracuse. The film chronicles the life of Jimmy Massey, a former twelve-year career Marine who refused to continue killing in Iraq. Massey was an outspoken critic of the Bush administration’s policies and one of the first veterans to question the legitimacy of that conflict. After his honorable discharge from the Marine Corps, he co-founded Iraq Veterans against the War to address the needs of those serving in the military. The film examines the political, legal, moral, and human rights implications of the war.

The documentary was produced and directed by Oneonta filmmaker Joseph C. Stillman over a four year span from 2005-2009, including footage shot in Syracuse. Stillman and Massey will be on hand to discuss the challenges of the project and the implications for the future. “When you think about the fact that no generation in our history since the 1900’s has been spared a war, it says a lot about the military industrial complex which drives the policies of our country,” says Massey. “Wouldn’t it be something if the next generation could live in a world without war.”

The documentary features appearances by Martin Sheen, Actor/Human rights activist, Ramsey Clark-former U.S. Attorney General, Dr. Doug Rokke-former U.S. Army depleted uranium expert,  Cindy Sheehan-Mother/founder of the Gold Star Families, Congressman Dennis Kucinich-Ohio, Father Roy Bourgeois- founder of the School of the Americas Watch, Scott Ritter-former UNSCOM weapons inspector, Kelley Dougherty- Executive Director of the Iraq Veterans Against the War organization, Col. (Ret.) Ann Wright-former U.S. embassy diplomat in Afghanistan, Dr. Ed Tick- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder expert, and Congresswoman Maxine Waters-California.

A suggested donation of $5-20 is requested at the door. For more information contact Jessica Maxwell, Syracuse Peace Council, 315.472.5478 or email jessica@peacecouncil.net. Other contact info: Joseph C. Stillman, 607.433.0811, email: lapalomafilms@yahoo.com or Jimmy Massey at 828.316.9647. Artrage Gallery: Rose Viviano, 315-218-5711.