While working on his documentary series about The Secret Life of Muslims, Director Joshua Seftel came across a local news story about marine Richard “Mac” McKinney which he immediately knew he had to tell. His Oscar nominated short Stranger at the Gate tells an initially perturbing yet ultimately, incredibly inspiring tale of love overpowering hate. Mac, suffering from Ptsd after years of overseas tours in the marines, knew of no way to escape the trauma and hate he felt towards Muslims and made a decision to bomb the mosque in his local community. Whilst this might come across as a horrific starting point for a documentary, the story which unfolds is one of unflinching kindness, acceptance and hope. Seftel is an established filmmaker who has honed an open and warm approach to his participants, a most effective foundation for a filmmaker drawn to telling stories of injustices with a sensitive and tailored approach.
- 3/3/2023
- by Sarah Smith
- Directors Notes
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