But there is a whole other side to activism which is embedded in our history, having been used by iconic figures such as Ghandi and Martin Luther King.

University of New England convener of Peace Studies convener Marty Branagan wants to enlighten people about the power and history of non-violent activism. 

“Eight years ago, I decided to start screening films about nonviolence activism to spread the word,” Dr Branagan said. 

“This kind of action has been around for centuries. It is action at political, social and cultural levels that doesn’t involve violence.  It’s been described as the most powerful force of social change in the last century.”

The Nonviolence Film Festival, hosted by Peace Studies, is an annual festival of documentaries about nonviolent activism and actions around the world. 

Dr Branagan said nonviolent actions might not always make the newsstands but remained one of the most effective methods for social change.

“Nonviolence activism is going on all the time, it just doesn’t get covered too much. It’s a way of dealing with the issues without resorting to military or armed conflict,” he said.

This year’s festival shows that nonviolence takes on many different forms, and will feature five films based on, or relating to, nonviolence activism.  UNE lecturer Johanna Garnett said the nonviolent action plays a significant role in social change.

“In every protest or activism, there is a form of nonviolent activism because violence begets violence. The idea is that you can peacefully raise awareness,” Dr Garnett said. “These five films provide examples of nonviolence, which appears in many different forms. It can be as simple as a man standing in the street or through art and music.”

The festival opens on Monday 7 May with the documentary Winter Go Away, which describes the events of the 2012 Russian presidential elections. 

Screenings each day start at 1pm at the Oorala Centre. Entry is free and members of the public are welcome.