The story

In 1950, nine Quaker families from Fairhope, Alabama left the U.S. for Costa Rica, a country that had just abolished its army. Four of the young men – the “Fairhope Four” – had served federal prison sentences for resisting the military draft during the buildup to the Korean War.   

Their actions were based on the Religious Society of Friends testimonies of anti-racism, community building, equality, integrity, love, optimism, environmental stewardship, peacemaking and social justice.

They created the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve beginning with just 500 acres. Today the reserve protects more than 26,000 acres of one of the world’s most biodiverse and delicate ecosystems. Every year, some 70,000 tourists visit the Reserve, but few leave with an understanding of how it came to be. 

In 1948, just as Costa Rica abolished its army, the US cranked up the machinery of war to prepare for Korea. Costa Rica had committed to a peaceable economy. "More teachers than soldiers” was a motto that appealed mightily to the Quakers. 

Monteverde residents joined the worldwide Climate Strike on September 27, 2019 to demand action to address climate change. In the film, Monteverde Friends School students talk about their concerns and hopes for their community. 

Mildred, Marvin, Mary and Lucky are four Monteverde founders who chronicle their motivations and the decision to emigrate. With humor and reflection, they detail the struggles and challenges along the journey.