The Hammer

The Hammer will address the ongoing need to understand the intersection of faith, conscience, and resistance, with particular reference to the media’s reporting of narratives around religion and war and how biases can shape that coverage.

The Hammer seeks to reframe the public understanding of religion’s role in war and peace. Our impact vision is to spotlight the anti-war actions of faith-based communities, revealing how religious conviction—so often portrayed as a cause of conflict—can instead serve as a powerful, principled force for peace. By telling the story of those who take bold, faith-driven stands against militarism, the film aims to inspire religious and secular audiences alike to view moral resistance to war not as fringe dissent, but as a vital expression of spiritual integrity and communal responsibility.

By following Ciaron’s personal journey of conscience and resistance, we hope to inspire viewers to believe that one person can make a difference. His story offers a powerful example of how moral conviction, rooted in faith, can challenge even the most entrenched systems of violence. The film will serve as a catalyst for interfaith dialogue, spiritual reflection, and community action—encouraging religious institutions and individuals alike to reclaim their prophetic voice and act with courage. We want audiences to walk away feeling that they are not powerless—and that, like Ciaron, their actions can have profound impact.

The producing team has longstanding ties to the faith-based activist community through previous advocacy work, including close engagement with Catholic Worker communities. During the campaign to free Julian Assange, the team developed strong relationships with religious activists. These connections were deepened through time spent at the L.A. Catholic Worker House and similar communities in Australia. The film’s central contributor, Ciaron O’Reilly, is a well-respected figure within these networks. His decades of experience and close relationships provide the project with trusted, insider access to a broad and active spiritual resistance movement, both in Australia and internationally.

The Hammer invites audiences to consider their own capacity for moral courage and to take a stand against violence in all its forms. The film will offer pathways into resistance movements—both faith-based and secular—that challenge militarism and state violence. It encourages viewers to support and engage with campaigns that promote peace, protect whistleblowers, and uphold conscience-led activism. Faith-based groups will be invited to join broader interfaith and antiwar coalitions, amplifying their collective voice. Through Ciaron’s example, the film aims to empower individuals to act with conviction and reminds us that meaningful change often begins with one person willing to resist.