Four Sisters for Peace

On the surface, Four Sisters for Peace looks like your average documentary about activists for peace and justice, except for two very interesting attributes: 1) the four septuagenarian and octogenarian Catholic nuns profiled here also happen to be real-life sisters, and 2) this film was created by junior high age students at the Southside Family School in Minneapolis along with their teacher Susie Oppenheim and artist “Media Mike” Hazard. Admittedly, the production quality is on a par with many home video camcorder-shot efforts, but that must be weighed against the indomitable energy and spirit of these women--Rita, Brigid, Kate, and Jane McDonald--which really shines through. Ultimately, this engaging portrait demonstrates that multigenerational approaches to activism are possible, and will serve as a springboard for many classroom discussions, on topics ranging from animal welfare to environmental pollution. Recommended. Aud: J, H, P. (J. Asala)