The Final Year
Description
In 2016, filmmaker Greg Barker was given access to three key people on the foreign policy team of the Obama administration—UN Ambassador Samantha Power, Secretary of State John Kerry, and Strategic Communications Advisor Ben Rhodes—along with the President himself. The result is a potent reminder that real diplomacy moves forward in baby steps rather than grand gestures or overheated rhetoric, and that the number of countries needing diplomatic attention is dismayingly on the rise. Racking up impressive travel miles, the documentary follows these dedicated officials to Laos (the first time a US President has ever visited in an official capacity), Nigeria (where Power addresses the depredations of Boko Haram), and Japan (where Obama delivers a speech crafted by Rhodes), among other far-flung locales. Back at home, Trump’s popularity is on the rise, while Power, Rhodes, and Kerry address increased and necessary international attention on Syria (Power calls it the site of a “complete meltdown of humanity”), Russia, and Iran. Simply by its focus on people from the prior administration, The Final Year leans left, but its portrait of tireless and intelligent people endeavoring to make the world a better and safer place should be inspiring to all.
Greg Barker looks for strong personal narratives that illuminate the complexities and moral ambiguities of global politics and war. With his longstanding producing partners John Battsek and Julie Goldman, Barker’s films include HBO’s Manhunt (2013), Homegrown: The Counter-Terror Dilemma (2016), and Sergio (2009). Barker previously worked as a journalist, making numerous films for PBS/Frontline, including the acclaimed Ghosts of Rwanda (2004). He grew up in California, has lived in Washington DC and London, and now lives in Santa Monica with his wife and family. He has a Masters in International Relations from the LSE, and is a Future of War Fellow at the New America Foundation.
Film Details
Language English
Year 2017
Premiere US
Runtime 89
Country USA
Director Greg Barker
Producer Julie Goldman, John Battsek, Greg Barker
Editor Joshua Altman, Langdon Page
Cinematographer Erich Roland, Martina Radwan
Music Philip Sheppard
Cast John Kerry, Barack Obama, Samantha Power, Ben Rhodes
Print Source Passion Pictures/Motto Pictures