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Public Enemies, Private Friends

Public Enemies, Private Friends

Six women who couldn’t disagree more. In the aftermath of John Salvi’s murder spree at two Brookline abortion clinics, leaders from opposing sides of the abortion debate meet together in secret talks. 

Films Story

On December 30, 1994, a man carrying a black duffel bag entered an abortion clinic in Brookline, Massachusetts. By the day’s end, two women were dead, a manhunt was afoot, a traumatized community was in mourning, and leaders on both sides of a divide wondered what they could have done to prevent it. Thus began a six year clandestine dialogue. 

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Film Info

Production

Matters Media

Date

3 June 2024

Director

Sarah Perkins

Josh Sabey

Donate to the film's impact

We’re partnering with leaders in peacemaking and bridge building on creating a public impact  engagement arc around the film. If you believe in this project, donate here.

ESSENTIAL PARTNERS® Dialogue Guide

Formerly the Public Conversations Project, Essential Partners hosted the 1990s Abortion Talks under the direction of Laura Chasin. This guide activates and structures discussions around the film to encourage civility and constructive dialogue.

Read the Book CIVIC FUSION

By Abortion Talks mediator Susan Podziba

Civic Fusion offers proven strategies for moving polarized parties to consensus solutions based on the author’s 25 years of mediation and negotiation experience, including working with pro-life and pro-choice leaders.

Films Info

Clients

Digital Studio

Date

25 Dec 2020

Director

Jhonathan Doe

Actors

Michael M. Maggio