About
The peace symbol turned 50 years old in 2008. It is seen all over the world: on posters, at anti-war protests, on fashion runways. What does it mean? And where did this universal symbol come from?
In A CIRCLE AND THREE LINES (10:46), Ken Kolsbun, author of Peace, The Biography of a Symbol, explains its rarely known history. Following its path from a march in England through the turbulent 1960s to today, Ken explains the numerous meanings of and controversies surrounding this memorable symbol. People of all countries, races, and religions have been inspired by the peace symbol, using it to express hope and the desire for change. Now that it is everywhere, how many people know its original meaning? A CIRCLE AND THREE LINES challenges us to think about how we use the peace symbol, its future and our responsibility to protect it, as well as our planet.
Other films by Jan Selby
Jan Selby’s first feature-length documentary, BEYOND THE DIVIDE (2014), is about the courage to find common ground. Set in Missoula, Montana, BEYOND THE DIVIDE follows Vietnam Veteran Dan Gallagher and peace advocate Betsy Mulligan-Dague as they mend the decades of animosity left behind by the Vietnam War. Watch trailer
Jan Selby’s second feature-length documentary, INSIDE MONTESSORI (2018), is a film that brings viewers inside five Montessori schools throughout the United States.
Audiences learn what Montessori education is and how it differs from traditional education. This inspiring and engaging film showcases how Montessori is successfully giving children from birth through high school the chance to achieve their full potential. Each film chapter is also available as a short video, making this content perfect for all types of presentation environments. Watch the trailer here.
Crew

Jan Selby is an award-winning independent director and producer and owner of Quiet Island Films, a Minnesota (USA) film and video production company. In 2006, Jan began pursuing her lifelong dream of producing and directing documentary films. She began as a producer, working with director Melody Gilbert to create the feature-length documentary FRITZ: THE WALTER MONDALE STORY (2008). Her first short documentary film, A Circle and Three Lines, followed the 50-year history of the peace symbol. It won a regional Emmy© award, traveled to film festivals worldwide, was broadcast on the Minnesota’s PBS station, and included in the Best Buy video bay at the Walker Art Center. Her first feature-length film, Beyond the Divide (formerly known as 9 Pieces of Peace), inspires dialogue about what it means to stand for peace. Her second feature-length film, INSIDE MONTESSORI (formerly known as Building the Pink Tower), co-directed and produced with Vina Kay, reimagines schools and learning through the lens of Montessori education.
Videographer Brandon Hamilton
Co-Editor Ben Gottlieb Original Music Rodney Tahija
Colorist Oscar Oboza Re-recording Mixer Jesse Marks
Technical Advisor Kevin McKeever Production Assistant Sam Sobieck
Marketing Assistant Amira Cohen Documentary Muse Melody Gilbert
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Film Specifications
Running time (with credits): 10:05
Equipment used: Panasonic HVX200a, Canon VIXIA HV30 HD Camcorder, Final Cut Pro, and MacBook Pr