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Everyone in the United States remembers where they were and what they were doing on the morning of September 11, 2001. The event brought us together as we collectively suffered disbelief, shock, fear and deep sorrow. For many, the attack was deeply personal: people whose family members, friends and colleagues lost their lives. In the aftermath of this terrible violence, however, different responses to the violence emerged. The prevailing thought was to fight violence with more violence. A show of force was a sign of strength. The Bush administration set in motion actions that would lead to the invasion of Afghanistan and Iraq. Dazed, angry and afraid, the majority of American people supported these actions. There were those who chose another path, however, and among them were Phyllis and Orlando Rodríguez, subjects of our documentary, “In Our Son’s Name.” Drawing strength from their own family backgrounds, and ethical and spiritual paths, they sought peace and reconciliation. Their efforts literally made national and international headlines. Receiving both support and criticism from those who heard their story, Phyllis and Orlando have listened to their own voices and stayed the course. As a result their lives are a positive example of how reconciliation and forgiveness have helped them to find peace and move towards healing the terrible loss of their son. We will all deal with loss and accompanying grief, and some of us will suffer this loss through violence. Phyllis and Orlando’s response to their own loss offers a chance to turn evil into good. “In Our Son’s Name” chronicles Phyllis and Orlando’s life journey that began with the 9/11 attack. I hope that our website can serve, not only as journal of film’s progress but also as a source of information about organizations and events related to themes and issues raised in the film: peace and reconciliation, volunteer work within prisons, efforts to end the death penalty, and restorative justice. Production is almost completed for the documentary, with just a few interviews left to film. We plan to finish the film this year so that it might be available to coincide with the tenth anniversary of 9/11. If you would like us to list your group or event related to themes explored in the film, please let us know and we’ll make the information available on the website. I welcome your thoughts about the website and the film.
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