Countdown to Zero documentary poster courtesy of Countdown to Zero Facebook Group
CU students enjoyed a private pre-screening of the film “Countdown to Zero,” directed by Lucy Walker. The documentary, which was featured in the 2010 Sundance Film Festival, explores the logistics of global nuclear weaponry.
The pre-screening was brought to CU by Global Zero, an organization aimed at eliminating nuclear weaponry around the world. Volunteers are currently traveling across the country to bring the film, and its message, to select audiences, according to their website.
According to the film, there are currently an estimated 23,000 nuclear weapons in the world. The materials used to make an atomic bomb are easily obtained, and, if these materials get into the wrong hands, they could prove disastrous.
Global Zero’s strategy calls on the U.S. and Russia– whom possess the greatest amount of nuclear weaponry– to reduce their arsenals, followed by a steady decrease in such weaponry worldwide, according to their website.
Patrick McDermott, a 24-year-old Global Zero volunteer, said the ultimate goal of the organization is to arrive at a “global zero”– no nuclear weapons– in 20 years.
Yucheng Ding, a 23-year-old graduate student majoring in economics, said he supports the goals of Global Zero.
“I think that it’s a good thing,” Ding said. “If some country actually used [an atomic bomb] it would be disastrous.”
Global Zero is working to improve support among varying governments and hopes to generate widespread, global support by utilizing the media and grassroots campaigns, according to their website.
Johannah Smith, a 19-year-old Global Zero volunteer, said she found the Global Zero plan inspiring.
“It’s inspiring to see that [Global Zero] has a well put-together plan,” Smith said. “When people find out that there’s a plan, then they will hopefully realize that there is possibility.”
The road tour also is providing the official Global Zero declaration for students to sign.
Andrea Rael, a 23-year-old senior journalism major and a Global Zero volunteer, said hundreds of world leaders have already expressed their support for the goal of Global Zero by signing the declaration.
Eliza Christie, a 20-year-old sophomore journalism major, said she would sign the declaration.
“I would sign it,” Christie said. “I’m definitely more of a pacifist.”
The film will be premiering in select locations in July, McDermott said. To sign the Global Zero declaration, or to see how you can volunteer, visit their website.
Contact CU Independent Staff Writer Jennifer De Falco at
Jennifer.defalco@colorado.edu.
