Voices in Wartime

The story

Voices in Wartime is a 2004 documentary that explores the human experience of war through poetry. Combining interviews with soldiers, journalists, and historians, it reveals how war affects individuals and societies across time and place. The film features poets from around the world – from Homer and Wilfred Owen to Shoda Shinoe and modern writers in Iraq and Nigeria – showing how poetry expresses the pain, trauma, and truth of conflict. By linking verse with real-life accounts, Voices in Wartime highlights how poetry helps us understand the emotional and moral impact of war.

Cast & crew

Chris SarandonHomer (voice)

Lisbeth Scott

Lisbeth ScottEmily Dickinson (voice)

Garrison KeillorWalt Whitman (voice)

Gilbert Hines

Gilbert HinesLangston Hughes (voice)

Dorothy King

Dorothy KingEnheduanna (voice)

John Francis

John FrancisAlfred, Lord Tennyson (voice)

Jason Williams

Jason WilliamsSeigfried Sassoon (voice)

Graham Townsley

Graham TownsleyWilfred Owen (voice)

Kazuko Robertshaw

Kazuko RobertshawShōda Shinoe (voice)

Hubert Hodgin

Hubert HodginHashim Shafiq (voice)

Jon Christensen

Jon ChristensenAli Habash (voice)