War With No Guns The key focus of TMI Pictures is a powerful feature documentary entitled "War With No Guns". War With No Guns exposes the most successful peacekeeping mission of our times. The documentary focuses on the idyllic pacific island of Bougainville, devastated by a brutal civil war since 1988 due to exploitation by foreign mining companies. After 10 years of war, 14 failed peace attempts and countless dead, the New Zealand Defence Force was asked to lead an international coalition into Bougainville to end the bloody conflict. In an unprecedented example of peacekeeping, those involved in Operation Bel-isi (let’s talk) entered this dangerous war zone totally unarmed. Instead they came with guitars and hakas as their ‘weapons’ of choice, and brought bitter enemies together to forge a lasting peace that still prevails today. This is a fascinating example of an army uniting people to peace. It is an incredible and profoundly moving story of compassion, understanding and humanity that opens the door to peace for a world struggling with entrenched, brutal conflicts.

War

The Pacific’s worst civil war

10 years of war, 14 failed peace agreements and 20,000 dead men, women and children.

Peacekeeping

So, how did a small New Zealand-lead coalition create lasting peace in one of the world’s worst war zones?

Guitars instead of guns, a powerful women’s movement, cultural connection and Aroha (Meaning “Love” in Te Reo Maori)

Images of the making of the film

Over a year in the making. Thank you to my committed team of filmmakers.

This riveting story looks at how, against all the odds, a small coalition created a blueprint for lasting peace across the world. Involving some of Australasia’s and the world’s most influential people, this radical approach to peacekeeping could signify a turning point for a world struggling with entrenched and brutal conflicts.

War with no guns in the news

To download a PDF investment proposal for War With No Guns click here.

For an investment budget please contact will@tmipictures.co.nz

People involved

William Watson - Director
Lucy Lawless - Narrator
John Keir - Executive Producer
Lisa Walker - Producer
Writer - Phil Wallington
His Excellency Don McKinnon - Secretariat of the Commonwealth Government
Alexander Downer - Former Head of Australian Foreign Affairs and Trade
President Joseph Kabui - President of Bougainville
Minister Phil Goff - Minister of Trade and Defence
Jerry Mateparae - Chief of the NZ Defence Force
Brigadier Roger Mortlock - Commander of the Coalition Army
All major women’s leaders in Bougainville