The People Speak

Watch this:



Does it not give you goose-pimples? What a remarkable, awe-inspiring use of history. Bravo, Howard Zinn, bravo.

Here's the blurb for The People Speak

Using dramatic and musical performances of the letters, diaries and speeches of everyday Americans, The People Speak focuses on the concept of democracy based on the lives and experiences of ordinary Americans who, through their words and actions, changed the course of history. Narrated by Howard Zinn and based on his bestselling book, A People's History of the United States, and Voices of a People's History, this groundbreaking documentary film illustrates the relevance of these passionate historical moments to our society today, reminding us that democracy is not a spectator sport and to never take liberty for granted. A journey from the founding of this country to the civil rights movement and beyond, The People Speak uses star power to celebrate democracy: executive producer Matt Damon reads from The Declaration of Independence; Bruce Springsteen performs Woody Guthrie's "This Land Is Your Land"; while other accomplished performers, including Morgan Freeman, Marisa Tomei, Josh Brolin, Viggo Mortensen, Kerry Washington, Bob Dylan and Eddie Vedder lend their voices to help re-create the emotional impact of these moments in history. 

This is such a simple, empowering idea, and one that will hopefully inspire viewers to delve a little further into their nation's history. What's even more heartening is that this idea has caught on and a British version will take place on September 19th, to be co-directed and narrated by Colin Firth. According to Marc Fennell (who brought this brilliant video to my attention), The History Channel will be doing an Australian version in 2011.

Bring. It. On.