Amir Amirani’s film WE ARE MANY was in the research and making for more than nine years. Addressing the illegality of the invasion of Iraq and the subsequent undermining of democratic processes, it sets alongside the power of public protest and mass mobilisations of the anti-Iraq war movement – a movement that was to inspire the Egyptian uprising of 2011; a movement of more than 15 million people, in 800 cities, in 70 countries who marched to protest the imminent invasion of Iraq; a movement which shaped a generation.
Tipping Point Film Fund was the film’s first funder in late 2010 and was an executive producing partner throughout. It was a lead partner on a Kick-starter campaign that raised $92k for the production costs and worked with Amir across fundraising, production, editing, and release in UK cinemas in 2016, as well as the film’s outreach on related peace issues.
It has been acquired by UNIVERSAL PICTURES for worldwide distribution excluding North America.
North America Release 2020 100 Cities’ virtual cinema screening on UN International Peace Day 2020
Marking the 2020 UN International Day of Peace We Are Many was premiered across the USA and Canada with a wonderful celebratory event. The night featured the screening of We Are Many; exclusive music performances; and a Q&A panel discussion with director Amir Amirani. Amir was joined by some of the film’s cast members and leaders from key activist organizations.
As protests continue to erupt across the world, the film’s message resonates as much now as ever.
WE ARE MANY is available on iTunes and Google Play.
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About The Film
The UK release was simultaneous across 82 cinema sites around the country. Each also streamed the London based Q+A, hosted by Jon Snow, with panel including Damon Albarn, Greg Wise, Amir Amirani, Philippe Sands QC, Lindsey German and Omid Djalili. The film secured 4* reviews across the board.
There were 162,000 views of trailer on YouTube and significant press (offline and online) and public debate generated about the power of protest in general and the peace movement in particular through the lens of Iraq. It overturned misconceptions of failure by arguing that the peace movement remains a vital actor on the issue of UK foreign policy-making, re-energising the peace movement through the sharing of their story.
Radio Times “Rousing and moving, it’s a film that should be seen by the many”
Background
We Are Many is the never-before-told story of the largest demonstration in human history, and how the movement created by a small band of activists changed the world. On February 15th, 2003, up to 30 million people, many of whom had never demonstrated before in their lives, came out in nearly 800 cities around the world to protest against the impending Iraq War. The New York Times called this movement the “Second Superpower”. How did this day come about? Who organized it?
And was it, as many people claimed, a total failure? This is not quite the story we all assumed it to be. The film has testimony from a first class list of interviewees including John Le Carre, Danny Glover, Brian Eno, Medea Benjamin, Jesse Jackson, Tariq Ali, Noam Chomsky, Mark Rylance, Damon Albarn, Leslie Cagan, Tony Benn, Lindsay German, Ken Loach, Hans Blix.
“The global protest against the Iraq War on 15 February 2003 was a pivotal moment in recent history, the consequences of which have gone unreported. Amir Amirani’s We Are Many chronicles the struggle to shift power from the old establishment to the new superpower that is global public opinion, through the prism of one historic day. I urge you to support this film in whatever way you can.” – Oliver Stone
“A work of beautiful rage. Provokes anger and goosebumps” ★★★★☆
Empire
“consistently intelligent and nuanced”
Variety
“incredibly ambitious… gripping. The only film I’ve ever watched where the audience started clapping halfway through…” ★★★★★
Huffington Post
“rousing and moving, it’s a film that should be seen by the many” ★★★★☆
Radio Times
“A very valuable film” ★★★★☆
Guardian
WE ARE MANY is available on:
iTunes https://itunes.apple.com/gb/movie/we-are-many/id1118498978
Google Play https://play.google.com/store/movies/details?id=W6h4vSBHOfA
It has been acquired by UNIVERSAL PICTURES for worldwide distribution (excluding North America). Planning is now underway for the theatrical release of the film in the USA.
Huge #Brighton applause for @WeAreManyMovie - great film. Campaign to get #Chilcot published & against arms trade must continue #WeAreMany
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Caroline Lucas (@CarolineLucas) May 21, 2015
Standing ovation for @AmirAmirani @WeAreManyMovie @CurzonMayfair http://t.co/VlKXJ8w9ru
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(@CurzonMayfair) May 21, 2015
"A valuable tribute to protest, it's a film that should be seen by the many": WE ARE MANY ★★★★ radiotimes.com/film/dhkkns/we… @WeAreManyMovie
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Radio Times Film (@RadioTimesFilm) May 22, 2015
Saw this last night Tyneside Cinema. #WeAreMany is ★★★★★. Absolutely stirring... so uplifting, heartbreaking, at... fb.me/4dApNFuA1
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Tina Gharavi (@Gharavi) May 22, 2015
So inspired by @WeAreManyMovie. Post-screening debate now starting at Curzon Mayfair. Go see it! http://t.co/oYm8QYq0a1
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John Hilary (@jhilary) May 21, 2015
Best film I've seen in years. Angry but inspired. Everyone clapping, esp at Robin Cook's speech. Bravo, guys. Bravo. @WeAreManyMovie
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Cat Silliman (@MissCatster) May 21, 2015
@WeAreManyMovie #WeAreMany Totally blown away by this film,This HAS to go on major release-people need to see this. WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE
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JasmineMarie (@JasmineFuture) May 21, 2015
Saw the inspiring @WeAreManyMovie this evening. It should be mandatory viewing for everyone concerned with democracy youtu.be/yOpa8y2TIy8
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Mark Doidge (@markdoidge) May 21, 2015
Well done @AmirAmirani on your exceptionally pivotal film @WeAreManyMovie. Thoroughly enjoyed tonights event and Q&A session. A MUST WATCH!
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Zoya.J (@Zoya_Javed92) May 21, 2015
Just seen #wearemany - wonderful doc about the Iraq war protests. On the brink of tears throughout - really can't recommend it enough.
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Adem Ay (@Barkbat) May 22, 2015
#WeAreMany is a beautifully made film. Very powerful- watch it and deel enraged again and feel empowered. Also LOVED #Codepink
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Amelia Handy (@AmeliaGHandy) May 21, 2015
Watched @WeAreManyMovie tonight @FACT_Liverpool. Powerful, tragic but ultimately inspirational and an absolute must watch #WeAreMany
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Anna O'Rourke (@AnnaORourke) May 21, 2015
Great seeing so many good people again. What an amazing film #WeAreMany, hats off to @AmirAmirani, sterling job! 🙂 http://t.co/BPATbxRLhT
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Adam Yosef (@AdamYosef) May 21, 2015
#WeAreMany is the first film I've watched which had several unprompted rounds of applause from the audience. On three or four occasions.
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Nathan Orr (@Nathan_Orr13) May 21, 2015
Go and see the eye-opening, inspiring and absolutely brilliant @WeAreManyMovie! It'll stir your emotions! #WeAreMany http://t.co/xJA34YGFlq
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Genesius Pictures (@GenesiusPicture) May 21, 2015
2 highlights for me in the @WeAreManyMovie was the brilliant @medeabenjamin & Robin Cooks resignation speech #WeAreMany
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Zaynab K (@ZeeZee007) May 21, 2015
Lots of applause for @AmirAmirani's great @WeAreManyMovie and for Q&A panel tonight at Bloomsbury Curzon #WeAreMany
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Stop the War (@STWuk) May 21, 2015
Inspirational,moving,important - esp. for times we live in now. It's an anti war film, but more than that, ANTI INJUSTICE! #WeAreMany
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Colette (@CoLeTtEStJeAn) May 21, 2015
#WeAreMany If you get a chance to see this film... 15.02.2003 and how 30 million people spoke with one voice against war... don't miss it!
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Karen Francis (@Loppylugs1951) May 21, 2015
great applause for @AmirAmirani at Picturehouse Stratford tonight, incredible film #WeAreMany... Must be broadcast
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James Barrett (@jamesbfilm) May 21, 2015
@WeAreManyMovie was extraordinary. Uplifting, depressing but ultimately hopeful #WeAreMany
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Beth Rice (@bethrice48) May 21, 2015
A remarkable achievement @AmirAmirani premiere of @WeAreManyMovie tonight was a roaring success @omid9 #WeAreMany http://t.co/HmomcryrAL
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KPPR (@kpprtweets) May 21, 2015
#WeAreMany documentary should be seen by many many many many many many many many many many people. Well done @AmirAmirani & all the team.
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Sue Dymoke (@SueDymoke) May 21, 2015
@WeAreManyMovie Conveys both the glorious success and the tragic failure of the #Feb15 #antiwar marches #WeAreMany http://t.co/WABqb5aqdA
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Mandy Vere (@nfnmandy) May 21, 2015
@WeAreManyMovie #WeAreMany Totally blown away by this film,This HAS to go on major release-people need to see this. WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE
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JasmineMarie (@JasmineFuture) May 21, 2015
Four spontaneous rounds of applause during #WeAreMany packed @cineworld tonight, first for Robin Cook. Never seen that before. @AmirAmirani
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David Belbin (@dbelbin) May 21, 2015
Just taking in the enormity of #WeAreMany. A powerful, angry, beautiful heroic film that made me cry, laugh and feel rage all at once
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Laura Collins (@LeftieLau) May 21, 2015
#WeAreMany Is a must watch, completely groundbreaking piece of film.
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Cheryl Luxford (@cheryl_luxford) May 21, 2015
#WeAreMany is the best & most beautiful film I've seen in the last decade. We are many and they are few. Let us never forget
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Liz M (@Eliz_LM) May 21, 2015
A big round of applause from the audience at @exepicturehouse for brilliant film @WeAreManyMovie #WeAreMany we were there & still marching
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Tom Milburn (@Trade_Union_Tom) May 21, 2015
#WeAreMany
BEST FILM I'VE EVER SEEN.
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George Parkinson (@FeorgeParkinson) May 21, 2015
Kheli Mamnoon! THANK YOU @AmirAmirani Tears & Emotions. We all clapped in the cinema #Didsbury #Manchester @WeAreManyMovie #WeAreMany
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Leila Green (@Leila_biz) May 21, 2015
@WeAreManyMovie I've been feeling like protest is useless but I found #WeAreMany inspiring& I'll be going on 20th June 2 London2 fight back
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James Marsh (@jamead) May 21, 2015
Totally amazing important film #WeAreMany @WeAreManyMovie Everyone needs to see it. Crucial to maintain social protest movement #amiramirani
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Victoria Burgher (@VictoriaLGrant) May 21, 2015
Applause throughout #wearemany at Clapham picture house. Unbelievable, gut-wrenching work @AmirAmirani
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Leena El-Refaey (@Leenaelrefaey) May 21, 2015
Outstanding! THANK YOU @AmirAmirani this was so worth the 2.5 hr car drive to the cinema!! #Didsbury #Manchester @WeAreManyMovie #WeAreMany
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Leila Green (@Leila_biz) May 21, 2015
Just watched the incredible @wearemanymovie #wearemany inspiring and vital this film is screened far and wide.
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James Barrett (@jamesbfilm) May 21, 2015
The most beautiful film I've seen about something that fills so many millions with anger and hatred. At least we have hope. #WeAreMany
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Francesca Moore (@moorefran) May 21, 2015
If you have no plans to see #WeAreMany @WeAreManyMovie then you should change that immediately. Well done Amir Amarani
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Jo McCrum (@jojomccrum) May 21, 2015
Everybody has a duty to watch #WeAreMany & to make everyone they can influence, esp all children, watch this superb, inspiring & tragic doc.
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Jamie Byng (@baddabyng) May 21, 2015
One of the most powerful things I've ever seen! The power of the people is simmering for sure! #WeAreMany @WeAreManyMovie
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Ruth Taylor (@Ruth_STaylor) May 21, 2015
Easily one of the most important analyses of protest and the need for long term vision and resilience. #WeAreMany
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Joanne K (@jokbristol) May 21, 2015
I just saw #WeAreMany and its a stunning, heartbreaking and inspiring example of a film. Please watch this documentary and be inspired!
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Matt Houlihan Actor (@HoulihanActor) May 21, 2015
"those white whisky drinking infidels protesting on our behalf" quite possibly the funniest thing I have heard in a cinema #Wearemany
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Catherine Lange (@fabsupermadcat) May 21, 2015
Huge round of applause in packed cinema here in Birmingham #WeAreMany Well done @AmirAmirani 🙂 Now let's march against austerity lie!
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Salma Yaqoob (@SalmaYaqoob) May 21, 2015
Think I've gone through almost my entire range of emotions tonight.Thanks @AmirAmirani for a phenomenally thought provoking film #WeAreMany
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Dr Monah Mansoori (@Doctor_Monah) May 21, 2015
#WeAreMany was a wonderful movie. Well worth seeing. Brilliantly directed by Amir Amirani and edited, and great job on the score too.
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Bijan T Faz (@MrB_Jangles) May 21, 2015
Just seen #WeAreMany and think it is one of the most moving and important documentaries I've ever seen. Huge respect for Amir Amirani
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Jamie Byng (@baddabyng) May 21, 2015
So much applauding happening here in Shepherd's Bush Vue cinema for the amazing&inspiring @WeAreManyMovie @AmirAmirani @omid9 #WeAreMany
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Aaron Conlan (@EireGunner) May 21, 2015
@WeAreManyMovie #WeAreMany loved the film with all my heart! It broke my heart but had to be done! #manchester
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zoe iqbal (@zoeIqbal) May 21, 2015
@WeAreManyMovie may have restored my faith in humanity. Very moving. #wearemany
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Holly Archibald (@hollyarchibald1) May 21, 2015
A momentous film that everyone should see, dignified, invigorating and incredibly exciting #wearemany
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Phoebe A-W (@PMWakefield) May 21, 2015
Attention GCSE History and AS Politics Students: go see #wearemany over half term re Iraq War & PG action. Excellent film @WeAreManyMovie
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Parmiter's Gov & Pol (@Parmitersgovpol) May 21, 2015
Just watched @wearemanymovie such an important film, reminds us of power of people #wearemany
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Sara Redmond (@redmond_kidd) May 21, 2015
@AmirAmirani @wearemanymovie #wearemany a total triumph of a film - deserves a place on Nat curriculum
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Jo Sensini (@Sensini) May 21, 2015
People power, give it a watch and be inspired to do more than tweet @WEAREMANYMOVIE #WEAREMANY
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Caitlin McKiernan (@Caitlinjm91) May 21, 2015
Never felt such an active cinema audience @WeAreManyMovie #WeAreMany #wheresjon?!
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Benjamin (@Benjamin_Verity) May 21, 2015
Absolutely cried my eyes out. Inspired and moved by #WeAreMany @WeAreManyMovie
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Narzanin Massoumi (@Narzanin) May 21, 2015
I have just witnessed a masterpiece, well done to @AmirAmirani @WeAreManyMovie #WeAreMany
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Junaid (@JunaidM2) May 21, 2015
Wow. Speechless, angry but filled with hope after watching @WeAreManyMovie. What a film, a must watch for any activist #WeAreMany
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Jack McQuibban (@Jack_McQuibban) May 21, 2015
@WeAreManyMovie I clapped and I cried. SUCH an important film #wearemany #CoventGarden
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Jenny Hurren (@jennyhurren) May 21, 2015
@WeAreManyMovie Phenomenal. Moving. Horrific. Heartbreaking. Strikingly true. We must remain angry, we must remain optimistic. #WeAreMany
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Grace Dominique Fysh (@gracefysh) May 21, 2015
Raw, bursting with anger & optimism. You nailed it @AmirAmirani #WeAreMany :an outstanding indictment of Blair, & testament to people power.
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Schona Jolly (@WomaninHavana) May 21, 2015
Standing ovation for "We Are Many "doc about 2003 Iraq War protests #sheffdocfest http://t.co/DaA9ZqIrIS
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gelert davies (@summerrainsmell) June 08, 2014
#sheffdocfest We Are Many film by Amir Amirani got the first ever 10 mins standing ovation in Sheffield history. Go see it.
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Ruhi Hamid (@RuhHamid) June 08, 2014
Extremely long standing ovation following premiere of We Are Many. I think we have a hit. #sheffdocfest
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Mikey Smith (@mikeysmith) June 08, 2014
'WE ARE MANY' THEE SINGLE MOST INSPIRING FILM I HAVE EVER SEEN IN MY LIFE! WATCH IT! @15Feb2003 @sheffdocfest wearemanymovie.com
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Alice Carder (@alicecarder) June 08, 2014
We Are Many @sheffdocfest is the mist moving film I've seen in years, I wept, many times and swelled with pride, too. See it on Monday!
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Still Loved (@StillLovedDoc) June 08, 2014
@15Feb2003 surely the biggest crowd-pleaser of @sheffdocfest. Stirring, thoughtful & well crafted http://t.co/zZ1ti9kNXg
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Rob Eagle (@Rob_Eagle_) June 09, 2014
My top 5 of #sheffdocfest: 1. We Are Many 2. An Honest Liar 3. A Dangerous Game 4. Life Itself and, um.... (1/2)
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Michael Prescott (@M_S_Prescott) June 13, 2014
Open Bethlehem Cinema Documentary
Tipping Point Film Fund also co-produced the cinema documentary OPEN BETHLEHEM, by Palestinian director Leila Sansour. It came on board in 2009 and worked on the film up to its UK release in 2015, thereafter through 2016/2017 on supporting its promotion across the USA release. Trailer, where to watch and more background information is here
Tipping Point’s work on Palestine also includes the Make Apartheid History project – events, interviews, videos, articles; and Bethlehem Unwrapped, the erection of an 8m high replica section of the Israeli separation wall inside the grounds of St James’s Piccadilly, accompanied by a 10 day festival inside SJP. TPNS co-produced the project and also produced a short film about the event as well as a viral short ‘Wall’ animation.
From 2019 our Palestine work will now largely be developed through our Five Percent Proposal.