“…the captivating, fast-paced movie tracks former Justice Minister Cotler’s battles in defence of people who have been victimized for fighting against repressive regimes… The film, the filmmakers, the responses by Cotler and these courageous women, who all handled questions with modest brilliance, drew several standing ovations.”
— Maurie Alioff, Northern Stars

“Captivating new documentary! First to Stand is the latest from the dynamic Montreal spousal filmmaking team of Irene Angelico and Abbey Neidik.”
— Bill Brownstein Montreal Gazette

“A great film. Absolutely captivating!”
— Duke Eatmon, CBC

“With their new film about Irwin Cotler, married Montreal filmmakers make a stand for human rights.”
— Brad Wheeler, The Globe and Mail

“…thrilled there was such a good reception to this great work.”
— Amal Clooney, Human Rights Barrister

“…a superb documentary.”
— Greer Fay Cashman, The Jerusalem Post

“Irwin Cotler is one of the greatest heroes of our time. He’s taken on some of the most intractable dictators and saved some of the most unjustly imprisoned hostages. I hope that everyone will watch First to Stand and become familiar with his inspiring commitment to justice.”
— Bill Browder, financier, activist and creator of Magnitsky Sanctions

“An extraordinary new documentary.”
— Mike Cohen. Cohen in the City

“…in all honesty, I have never been as moved by a film. Epic in scope and ambition, Not only a legacy for Irwin Cotler, but to the hundreds and hundreds of people who stand with him.”
— Michael Schlesinger, Fulbright Scholar