Synopsis
Today’s wars and conflicts are increasingly complex and incomprehensible. Often, they are caused by local civil conflicts with global repercussions in the power struggle over territories and resources. This is why politicians employ those who understand the language, have access to expert knowledge and know how to be discrete. They employ experts, who turned 'making peace' into a new, private business model.“If you want to put an end to war, you have to talk to the fighters!” An exclusive group of international consultants are dedicated to this idea - it is their business, and their mission.
In her film, director Anne Thoma portraits three private mediators and their work, which they conduct in hotel lobbies, during business class flights and in secret conference rooms. The film follows the protagonists on their mission to put an end to armed conflict in the world. We learn to understand their motivation, share hopes and disappointment, the loneliness and their short, rare moments of triumph. We also get a glimpse into the every day chores of the job alongside war theatres – surprising and emotional insights into the private peace industry.
With Dennis McNamara, David Gorman, Martin Griffiths