Doc World

Crossings

By Deann Borshay Liem

Although the Korean War was halted by an armistice in 1953, the warring parties never signed a peace treaty. Seventy years later, North Korea and the United States remain adversaries, millions remain tragically separated from their family members on opposite sides of a closed and heavily militarized border, and the threat of renewed fighting and even nuclear conflict looms. In CROSSINGS, international women peacemakers set out on a risky journey across the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), calling for an end to a war that has divided the Korean peninsula. The groundbreaking mission of Women Cross DMZ is framed with historic newsreels and punctuated with contemporary news coverage.

The women activists, including Christine Ahn, Gloria Steinem, Leymah Gbowee, Mairead Maguire, Ann Wright and Medea Benjamin, dare to tread forbidden territory to draw global attention and demand a seat at the table to advocate for peace. The intrepid team faces logistical and political hurdles - protestors accuse them of being propaganda tools for North Korea - and the momentum of their victorious crossing also collides with dramatic world events. Undeterred, the movement expands their global campaign to educate and advocate, in solidarity with their Korean sisters organizing for peace on both sides of the border. Thousands of Koreans join them as they complete the crossing, demonstrating a deep yearning on the peninsula for peace and reconciliation.

MEET THE MAKERS: CROSSINGS 

Watch a panel conversation with Crossings filmmaker Deann Borshay Liem, Women Cross DMZ Founder Christine Ahn and Aiyoung Choi, Chair of the Board of Directors of Women Cross DMZ. The three women discuss the organization’s mission, family separation and more. Moderated by Doc World host Andia Winslow.