THE BROKEN PROMISE
Film poster for “THE BROKEN PROMISE” directed by  Kurt Norton. The women looks out the window.
THE BROKEN PROMISE
Film poster for “THE BROKEN PROMISE” directed by  Kurt Norton. The women looks out the window.
Revealing raw unflinching stories from genocide survivors, The Broken Promise shines a light on how we can overcome authoritarians, defend humanity against genocide and ensure that “never again” becomes a reality

THE BROKEN PROMISE

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HUMANITARIAN AWARD, GRAND PRIZE - Best Shorts Competition | BEST OF SHOW - Impact Doc Awards | BEST DOCUMENTARY FEATURE - Boston Independent Film Awards

Genocide • Authoritarianism • History • Fascism • Genocide Survivors 


Date of Completion: 2023 | Run Time: 55 minutes​​ | Language: English | Captions: Yes | Includes: Transcript & Study Guide | Director: Kurt Norton | Executive Producer: Gayle Donsky | Producer: Mort Stein | Editors: Alex Calleros & Daniel J. Clark | Cinematographer: Frazer Bradshaw

After World War II, humanity declared that genocide would never be allowed to happen again. But “never again” has become “again and again,” from Cambodia to Bosnia to Rwanda to China to Ukraine.Why? What makes people dehumanize one another? Why does it keep happening? And what can we do to make “never again” a reality? THE BROKEN PROMISE, a feature-length documentary, explores the mechanics of genocide, the conditions that allow it to occur, and the ideas and institutions that stand against it. The film presents the raw, unflinching first-person stories told by the survivors of genocide and how the trauma of genocide ripples through generations. With insights from forward-thinking policymakers, scholars, and activists, it examines the characteristics of those who perpetrate it— their self-serving goals, their destruction of democratic institutions, and their utter disregard for the slaughter that follows. The challenge is clear - genocide is not a once-in-a-generation event humanity can witness, wring our collective hands over, and consign to the history books. It is a tool authoritarians wield all too easily - and big business is complicit in its use. The interplay of racism, authoritarianism, and impunity is shown to be at the core of genocide. While THE BROKEN PROMISE includes honest stories of human cruelty and suffering, they are also stories of the human spirit...and inspiring stories of hope.

New York University | Ruth Ben-Ghiat, Professor of History and Italian Studies
”Through moving testimonies spanning the globe and history, The Broken Promise shows us the warning signs that societies are moving to genocidal policies. A beautiful and timely film.”

United States Congress | Rep. Jim McGovern (D-MA), U.S. Congressman
“With democracy under attack and authoritarianism on the rise worldwide, The Broken Promise is an important and timely film that everyone should watch. It was an honor to lend my voice to this powerful documentary.”

AWARDS
Best Shorts CompetitionHumanitarian Award Grand Prize
Best of Show | Impact Doc Awards
Best Documentary Feature | Boston Independent Film Awards