Story of a Mediation 2006
Distributed by National Film Board of Canada, 1123 Broadway, Suite 307, New York, NY 10010; 800-542-2164
Produced by Yves Bisaillon and National Film Board of Canada
Directed by Stéphane Drolet
DVD, color, 57 min.
Adult
Canadian Studies, Communication, Law, Sociology, Urban Studies
Date Entered: 11/08/2007
Reviewed by Douglas Reed, Department of Political Science, Ouachita Baptist University, Arkadelphia, ARWith increasing heterogeneity of urban areas, communities are seeking new ways to resolve conflict among its diverse populations. Story of a Mediation documents one such effort – a pilot project in Longueuil, Quebec, comprised of specially trained volunteers who serve as community mediators.
Presented in French with English subtitles, the film details the mediator training process. The volunteers discuss mediation principles, conduct a mediation, and evaluate their performance.
Creative and enlightening, Story of a Mediation illustrates how entities outside the legal system can have a positive influence on problem solving. Additionally, it shows that community mediation cannot erase criminal complaints but that it can help expedite court proceedings.
Recommended for public and university libraries, Story of a Mediation is a valuable resource for pre-law, interpersonal communication, and sociology curricula.