TORONTO, ONTARIO–(Marketwire – Jan. 13, 2010) – Canadian mediator, Ben Hoffman, isn’t accustomed to Hollywood’s red carpets and tuxedos. That soon may change, however, as the former peace director for President Jimmy Carter will have a character inspired by his work in an upcoming movie starring Uma Thurman, called Girl Soldier.
“It definitely took me by surprise when I got the call from Director Will Raee in Hollywood,” said Dr. Hoffman. “More than anything I’m hoping the movie will grab viewers in a way that motivates them to press for the prevention of war in the first place. We’re at a time when that is more important than ever.”
In 1999 Hoffman was hired by President Carter and given the assignment to lead The Carter Center’s efforts to help end the nineteen-year old war in Sudan, which had already claimed two million lives. It was during this time that Hoffman met deep in the African bush with the notorious war lord Joseph Kony of the Lord’s Resistance Army, who had abducted thousands of child soldiers in Uganda. Hoffman worked to release the children.
“That experience galvanized my commitment to ending violence,” said Hoffman. “To witness what these children go through in a war-stricken environment is heart wrenching.”
Award-winning journalist Kathy Cook originally interviewed Hoffman for her book, Stolen Angels. The book later became the source for Girl Solider, which is in preproduction and is scheduled to start filming in Africa in March. Hoffman is also in the later stages of publishing his own book, Peace Guerilla, which presents a fresh approach to peacebuilding and a firsthand account of his mediation with guerilla leaders in Africa and his work with President Carter. The release date is scheduled for February 15th and will be available on amazon.com.
