I had the honor of accompanying Edith for a film project over the last 4 years and getting to know her better. I came across her through my film about the forgotten Swiss peace activist Gertrud Woker, who co-founded WILPF between the world wars. I searched for contemporary witnesses and came into contact with Edith when she was already 96 years old. I wrote her an email, not expecting much from a lady her age, and was very surprised when she wrote back in detail 30 minutes later and invited me for lunch (she cooked a salmon soup, delicious!). Since that meeting, her story and her wisdom has never left me and over the last four years I have made a documentary about her and some of her fellow women, which is currently in post-production and should be released this year.

For me, the visits to Edith’s home, the hours of conversation, the walks with her to the UN, to the park, to the shops, everything she was still able to do in the last few years, were an enormous enrichment. Her energy and endurance were breathtaking. I’ve filmed a 100 year old woman who interprets, analyzes, motivates and ultimately changes the world from a small apartment in Geneva. Because I am absolutely certain that people like Edith will make this world a better place. These may be difficult times, but because of her, I will never lose my optimism. If Edith says she believes in humanity, then we all should too.

Thank you Edith and thank you to everyone who helped me capture her story. I hope the film Imagine Peace will carry her message of hope and dialog out into the world.