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A Towering Task: The Story of the Peace Corps
A documentary by Alana DeJoseph 113 minutes, color, English, 2023
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| Synopsis
Narrated by Annette Bening, A Towering Task tells the remarkable story of the Peace Corps and takes viewers on a journey of what it means to be a global citizen. In 1961, President John F. Kennedy gave Americans the opportunity to serve their country in a new way by forming the Peace Corps. Since then, more than 240,000 of them have traveled to more than 140 countries to carry out the organization’s mission of international cooperation. Over 60 years later, Americans young and old alike still want to serve their country and understand their place in the world; current volunteers work at the forefront of some of the most pressing issues facing the global community. Yet the agency has struggled to remain relevant amid sociopolitical change; more than once it had to fight for its very existence, and now – with a rise in nationalist sentiment and deep cuts to governmental agency budgets – the Peace Corps is again confronting a crisis of identity: what role should it play around the world and in the lives of engaged citizens? Watch the Trailer Reviews "Enlightening and uplifting! It puts a human face on the Peace Corps – and makes sense of its history of idealism, improvisation, politics, and at times its failings. It is the most coherent and satisfying documentary I know of the Peace Corps, and I can’t imagine a better one." - Paul Theroux, Travel Writer & Novelist "This timely, informative documentary sheds light on a truly unique American agency and the goal of using it to create global citizens striving to make an impact on future generations. The film's overall tone is inspirational, and screenwriter Shana Kelly does a very detailed job of weaving together the personal experiences and testimonials of past and present volunteers, clearly creating correlations with the political climates of particular time periods and their direct impact on global cultures and communities." - Lynnette Nicholas, Common Sense Media "An engaging, well-rounded history of the Peace Corps. You'll enjoy historical and relevant speech excerpts from Kennedy and other key players. Have a look. Maybe you'll be inspired to volunteer somewhere in the world – even if it's just in your neighborhood." - Ross Anthony, Hollywood Report Card Links
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