20,000 Dialogues is an initiative that uses discussions about films to promote pluralism, dialogue, and civic engagement. Films always spark great discussion, almost everyone has an opinion about a film and no one needs to be an expert to join in. Watching a film and discussing it is a common yet powerful experience, a practical, meaningful way of helping people share ideas and build new perspectives. 20,000 Dialogues equips grassroots people with the films, tools, and resources to turn dialogue into action.

The idea of 20,000 Dialogues started after the release of UPF’s first film, Muhammad: Legacy of a Prophet. People around the world viewed and discussed the film in their efforts to understand Muslims and build relationships after 9/11. The 20,000 Dialogues initiative was launched in August 2007 with the national PBS broadcast of UPF’s Cities of Light and the endorsement of the World Economic Forum’s Top 100 Council of Religious Leaders. It has subsequently been supported with grants from the U.S. Institute of Peace, the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation, One Nation, a special project of the Rockefeller Philanthropy Associates, and other institutions and individuals.

Find a film here or select one of the ICL films listed on this page and see how 20,000 dialogues suggests starting a living room dialogue to promote peace!