First to Stand: The Cases and Causes of Irwin Cotler

Monday, July 31, 6pm; Dryden Theatre

Documentary | 2022  |  85 min.
English  |  Canada  |  Directors:
Irene Angelico, Abbey Jack Neidik

Anyone with care and courage can change history. First to Stand follows Irwin Cotler and his team of young activists as they take on the cases and causes of political prisoners and human rights activists battling the world’s most repressive regimes. Cotler began fighting for freedom and justice in law school when he devised a public relations campaign to garner support for Russian refusenik Natan Sharansky. The PR strategy led Mikhail Gorbachev to release Sharansky in 1986. It is a film of high stakes, emotion, and drama, with unprecedented access as Cotler meets with heads of state and argues passionately for the release of his many clients.

Underwritten by
Sharon Brodsky and Noreen Salerno

Community Partners

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