“In the case of El Salvador, we see but a microcosm of a global reality in which our government trains and trades in arms, recklessly disregarding consideration for the repercussions. Seeing Salvadoran troops with US military apparel and equipment stands as a grave testament to our own misguided assumptions about the ultimate futility of force. I only know this because I trained, fought, and even dressed as they did.
In Return to El Salvador, we are reminded of the incredible breadth of the human character; from unimaginable acts of violence and insatiable greed to awe-inspiring acts of hope, faith and love. May these incredible stories be a constant reminder of all that we are capable of, for better and for worse. In them, may we remember our own moral character and never overlook the responsibility to which we are both individually and collectively called.”
“Jamie Moffett is a master storyteller, and he tells some of the most important stories never told. This one is about El Salvador… and it’s not just about a little country in Latin America. It is about a struggle that is a mirror back to the rest of the world. It’s about neighbors here in the US who we meet every day and don’t know their story. It’s about understanding ourselves a little better by listening to the pain others. It is about letting the wounds of history teach us lessons that could shape the future.”
Michelle Drew from Redeemer University College writes in their paper, The Crown, on the murder of anti-mining activist Marcelo Rivera, Canada’s Bill C-300 (requiring corporate accountability for Canada’s mining companies), and the feature documentary, “Return to El Salvador”.
“In the run up to war nobody takes time to listen to the hearts of the kids who will have to fight. No one bothers to ask the moms if they want to send their sons to kill the sons of other moms. The sorrowful consequences of war outlive us all. Enough already! The killing must stop. Don’t just watch Return to El Salvador, work for peace.”
Musician/ activist Derrick Ashong, host of the show “The Derrick Ashong Experience” on Oprah Radio, interviewed “Return to El Salvador” director Jamie Moffett on Feb 6th while at Oprah’s studios in Chicago. Here’s the Oprah Radio archive of that interview. Jamie’s interview begins at 37:40
Our narrator for Return to El Salvador, Martin Sheen, was interviewed for the New York Times around the opening of a Los Angeles production of the play “The Subject Was Roses”. Interesting production note: Sheen completed narration for Return to El Salvador the day before rehearsals began for this play. One of the hardest working men in show business or social justice. We’re honored to be allied with him.
Here’s the article:
Sheen’s Circle, From Son to Father
LOS ANGELES — In a dressing room at the Mark Taper Forum here, some 46 years in the life of Martin Sheen seemed to disappear. He was discussing the play “The Subject Was Roses,” both his breakout performance on Broadway as the son in 1964 and his current role as the father in the production that opened at the theater on Sunday.
The drama, by Frank D. Gilroy, tells the story of a young, idealistic soldier who returns from World War II to his parents’ New York apartment to find their marriage in shambles. The original production ran for nearly two years and won the Pulitzer Prize and the Tony Award for best play. Mr. Sheen and Jack Albertson, as the father, were both nominated for the best actor Tony (Mr. Albertson won), toured in the play and starred in the 1968 film version with Patricia Neal (Mr. Albertson winning an Oscar).
Fast forward more than four decades, and Mr. Sheen is gaining new respect for an actor who has been dead for 28 years.
“Jack Albertson had this tremendous acting talent, and I remember just watching his body shake with emotion during certain lines,” Mr. Sheen recalled during a break between rehearsal and a recent preview. “I kept telling myself in this production that he wasn’t going to bother me. But I hear him in certain inflections in my voice.”
The story itself has also endured, Mr. Sheen said, as a simple, timeless portrait of a family. “We’re all struggling with this basic need to know our worth,” he said. “Love is so scarce, and this play focuses on that. If you don’t leave home with the true sanctity of being, you won’t see that sanctity in anyone else.” *Read full article here*
“Moffett’s latest film is a visceral example of how the consequences of U.S. arms sales and its political intervention in another country’s war do not end when peace accords are signed. The ramifications endure for generations. Return to El Salvador is a must-see for anyone who cares or is curious about the destructive influence peddled by Washington and Wall Street.”
- Greg Barrett, Washington, D.C. freelance journalist and author of The Gospel of Father Joe: Revolutions & Revelations in the Slums of Bangkok.
“Return to El Salvador” Director Jamie Moffett was interviewed Monday on WORT 88.9 FM in Madison, WI by journalist and host Norm Stockwell for the daily show “A Public Affair”. Here’s the archive (interview starts at 01:35)
Everyone here at Return to El Salvador is very excited to show you the first seven minutes of the film narrated by Martin Sheen. Please make sure to pass this on to your friends, family, any organizations you are a part of, your school, and/or church.
The upcoming 30th anniversary of the assassination of Archbishop Romero in March, the reality that this is the first year of presidency for the first democratically elected El Salvadoran president, President Funes, and that this past fall School of the Americas Watch celebrated their 20th anniversary, this film comes at an important. As activists continue to be kidnapped and assassinated, as large companies continue to exploit, harass and intimidate the people of El Salvador, this film brings to light serious social justice issues that everyone should be aware, and that everyone can take a stand against. For more information about the film, setting up a screening, or interest for distribution please send an email to screenings@returntoelsalvador.com.
As always, we thank you for your continued support, this film could not have happened without the generous support we have received. Now, without further ado, we proudly present the first seven minutes of Return to El Salvador.
“In the case of El Salvador, we see but a microcosm of a global reality in which our government trains and trades in arms, recklessly disregarding consideration for the repercussions. Seeing Salvadoran troops with US military apparel and equipment stands as a grave testament to our own misguided assumptions about the ultimate futility of force. I only know this because I trained, fought, and even dressed as they did.
“In the run up to war nobody takes time to listen to the hearts of the kids who will have to fight. No one bothers to ask the moms if they want to send their sons to kill the sons of other moms. The sorrowful consequences of war outlive us all. Enough already! The killing must stop. Don’t just watch Return to El Salvador, work for peace.”
Musician/ activist 
“Return to El Salvador” Director Jamie Moffett was interviewed Monday on 
