Reel Mediation
A Dispute Resolution Journey Through Film
by Helen Leah Lightstone

---

Some might concede that the seminal legal drama 12 Angry Men might have something to teach us about conflict resolution. Might the same be said, though, of Danny DeVito’s 1989 black comedy, The War of the Roses? What could Clint Eastwood’s 2008 drama, Gran Torino, teach us about mediating disputes? In this exciting and original work of nonfiction, veteran mediator Helen Lightstone takes these and other questions seriously, asking what movies might offer as teaching tools when it comes to alternative dispute resolution. Designed with students of Lightstone Academy for Conflict Resolution’s advanced mediation course, “The Quintessentials,” in mind, this book is broken down into five major chapters—each of which relies on a film or set of films to explore a major area of dispute resolution. First, 12 Angry Men will introduce you to basic concepts, before the historical drama The Tenth Man provides a more complex look at processes of negotiation. The period piece Woman in Gold takes you through the arbitration process, and the documentary Music From the Big House and thriller Colonia review process design in more depth. War of the Roses offers a thorough look at advanced mediation and finally, Gran Torino examines conflict resolution across cultural difference. Overall, this groundbreaking work is perfect for anyone interested in all forms of alternative dispute resolution—especially those looking to build on their pre-existing knowledge through practical and entertaining examples drawn from popular films.

www.helenlightstone.com

---

".... I am thrilled! Through her in depth work Helen Lightstone has continued to enlighten and bring forward the important message from "Music From the Big House"...one of forgiveness, redemption, mediation and hope ... Brava!" Rita Chiarelli

---

Helen Lightstone, LL.M, is a chartered mediator and qualified arbitrator with more than seventeen years as a conflict resolution practitioner under her belt. Currently practicing in Ontario, Canada, Lightstone is considered an industry leader in conflict resolution training. She is a member of the Law Society of Ontario and the Alternative Dispute Resolution Institutes of both Ontario and Canada, and her company, Lightstone Academy for Conflict Resolution, offers two forty-hour courses, and one twenty-one-hour course, on alternative conflict resolution all accredited by the Alternative Dispute Resolution Institute of Ontario. After years of building her incredibly successful career, Lightstone returned to school and received her Master of Laws from Osgoode Hall at York University in 2017. Inspired by her insights watching films like 12 Angry Men, she produced her major research paper with the hopes of exploring how film can be used to teach alternative dispute resolution. Recognizing it as a unique and underexplored pedagogical tool, she decided to share her expertise more broadly, publishing her paper as her first book. She hopes to help negotiators, mediators, arbitrators, and disputants themselves through her work. Outside of her career interests, Lightstone also enjoys photography, travel, theatre, gardening, and kayaking. She lives in Whitby, Ontario with her two dogs—Cookie Pearl and her “long-retired” first dog, Esme. You can find her on her website, lightstoneacademy.ca, or on Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, or Facebook. ILLUSTRATOR: Bronagh Morgan’s favourite car is her bike, and favourite way to get around is her feet. A middle-distance runner, lawyer and future mediator (thanks Helen!), Bronagh is a Niagara Falls-born artist whose preferred media include pencil, pastel, charcoal, markers and kids’ sidewalk chalk. This is her first book of illustrations. She’ll probably bring her kids to pick up a few hundred copies in her beloved 2012 Ford Fiesta. Keep up with her on Instagram @bronagh.joyce and Twitter @ThatBronaghOne With a love of art spanning a lifetime Lori E. Felix is an illustrator, painter, and graphic artist. While largely self taught in fine arts and painting, Lori did attend the Graphic Design program at Durham College. When Lori isn’t working in her studio you can usually find her spending time with her family or teaching karate at the local martial arts club. Lori may be reached at Be a part of the Art by Lori on Facebook or at beapartoftheartbylori@outlook.com

---

Contributors

Author

Helen Leah Lightstone

Illustrator

Bronagh J Morgan

Illustrator

Lori Felix

---

Other eBook Editions

This book is also available in eBook format from these sites.

• Amazon Kindle Store
• Apple Books
• Google Play