Make Peace or Die

In a powerful tribute to sacrifice and healing, the gripping and personal documentary "Make Peace or Die: Honor the Fallen" will mark Veterans Day with a poignant exploration of duty, loss, and remembrance, on PBS’s INDEPENDENT LENS. Join us on Monday November 11 for a FREE screening of the premiere, beginning with a reception in the lobby at 8pm followed by the film at 9pm with the OETA broadcast on the big screen, with the filmmakers in attendance.

All admission is free and open to the public but seating is limited, first come first serve. Circle Cinema is proud to support the broadcast premiere of this made-in-Oklahoma film. "Make Peace or Die: Honor the Fallen" previously screened in July to sold-out crowds at the Circle Cinema Film Festival, and was awarded the best documentary feature of the festival. The reception is made possible with support from the Tulsa Office of Film, Music, Arts, and Culture.

Directed by Manny Marquez, the documentary follows the emotional journey of his brother, Marine Anthony Marquez, who, was deployed to Sangin, Afghanistan, in 2011. His unit, 1st Battalion, 5th Marines, suffered the tragic loss of 17 Marines. Haunted by their deaths, Anthony returned home with a mission to honor his fallen comrades. Over the span of three years, he carved and hand-delivered battlefield crosses to the Gold Star families of each Marine.

The film will be also be available to stream on the PBS app and PBS YouTube channel after the broadcast premiere.

The film captures Anthony's continued dedication as he embarks on a 10-year anniversary road trip with his brother Manny. Their journey revisits the families, offering a means to memorialize their loved ones and share their stories with the world. The film not only illuminates the profound impact on the families that have lost a loved one overseas, but also showcases Anthony’s personal progress toward healing as he reconnects with fellow Marines and reflects on their shared experiences.

About INDEPENDENT LENS: INDEPENDENT LENS is an Emmy® Award-winning PBS documentary series. Presented by ITVS, the series has been honored with 10 Academy Award nominations and features documentaries united by the creative freedom, artistic achievement, and unflinching visions of independent filmmakers. Stream anytime on the PBS app. For more visit pbs.org/independentlens

About OETA: OETA provides essential educational content and services that inform, inspire and connect Oklahomans to ideas and information that enrich our quality of life. We do this by consistently engaging Oklahomans with educational and public television programming, providing educational training and curriculum, outreach initiatives and online features that collectively encourage lifelong learning. For more information about education curriculum and programs, local productions, digital television, community resources and show schedules explore OETA.tv.