WATCH THE TRAILER HERE
WATCH THE FILM HERE
First, the Recap:
What dark deeds dwell in the depths of the heart, the wounded soul, the twisted reality brought on by equally damaging circumstances that we have taken part in, all in the name of God, family, and country? In the defense of freedom? Willingly. That statement sounds overtly ominous while a sense of foreboding might rise up within your mind upon reading it. Yet, what it actually characterizes is the still too often overlooked truth that resides within military veterans caught in the heartrending, crushing grip of P.T.S.D. Nothing around them is the same anymore, the means by which they view the world around them has been shattered by having to stand strong and defend that which they so deeply believe–loyalty to the United States and what it represents. Upon returning from duty, actual life can become a struggle unlike any other, and can lead to endangering their own life, or that of others they still perceive as “the enemy”. Yet, in the midst of this tragically, involuntarily tainted mindset, miracles and faith can forcefully move P.T.S.D. mountains and transform lives. His name is Richard “Mac” McKinney–and this is his story.
Next, my Mind:
For an average, non-military citizen, there is no “putting yourself in their shoes” when it comes to the harsh actualities that stare servicemen and women in the face when it comes to the sheer horror of war and the acts of violence that arise from having been involved in it, even more so for extended periods of time. The potential physical tolls are difficult enough to endure and survive as it is, but the inward impact on the mind, heart, soul, and spirit is just as weighty, profoundly enhanced upon these individuals returning home and then having to attempt to re-enter “normal” life as a civilian while the shadows of conflict echo resoundingly within. Additionally, what if the community you then chose to reside in was also home to many individuals you still considered combatants to be eliminated, untrustworthy, “killers”, evil? Would the actions manifesting in your head drive you to put an end to them just as you had while in country, because THAT is what you understood to be the undeniable facts?
This becomes the initial cornerstone focus of the Oscar shortlisted 30-minute documentary short film from director/producer Joshua Seftel, producers Suzanne Hillinger and Conall Jones, co-producer Jody Snider, executive producers Rev. Dr. Conrad Fischer, Lena Khan, John W. Kiser, Jeremy Mack, Mohannad Malas, Eric Nichols, and Anna Bick Rowe, plus consulting producers Sue Obeidi, Salam Al-Marayati, and Mona Damluji that conclusively and concisely paints a deeply sobering portrait of P.T.S.D. and its devastating influence on a former Marine’s state of being, but adds one integral twist to the tale that, sadly, isn’t always the case in these circumstances–the unanticipated road to love, belief, ongoing healing, and strived for, desired redemption. The exploration of this dramatic and inspired turnaround is filled with so much heart, compassion, grounded and transparent admission, and highly persuasive potency, it’s the kind of example this world needs, transcending the core foundations and speaking to ALL of us as PEOPLE.
Richard “Mac” McKinney’s recounting of the events that came about on the heels of his twenty-five years of service in the U.S. Marine Corp is nothing short of both jarring and exceptional to listen to, as his home in Muncie, IN and the demeanor he maintained of the loving father and husband gets so overtly upended when random events merge into his struggle with P.T.S.D., sending him on a journey towards WANTED oblivion. But, it is in the midst of what should have been a decidedly savage end that the true phenomenon that is genuine conviction and adherence to one’s perspective, the ability to accept others AS they are in order to welcome them in, demonstrating sincere kindness, and taking the time to simply LISTEN and BE THERE for someone in need takes over, creating an experience McKinney never saw coming, TOTALLY altering his intentions meant for that day in 2009 when instead of mass death and loss, a life was saved.
The magnitude that McKinney was shaken by the benevolence, and ultimately forgiveness, he got confronted by is beautifully evident during his interview, just as compelling as the confessions he shares about how his existing battle with P.T.S.D. has continued though now tempered through the newfound faith he came to know thanks to that one should-have-been-fatal visit to the Islamic Center of Muncie turning into many, but of far more constructive and cathartic nature. Of course, the other aspect of this film that gives it its strength are the multiple, equally candid and affecting testimonies of/interviews with those members of the Islamic Center who became the proverbial vessels of salvation for McKinney when he arrived at the mosque to carry out his premediated act of hate-fueled brutality, including Bibi Bahrami, and Afghan refugee who helped found the Center, her husband Dr. Saber Bahrami, their son Zaki Bahrami, and fellow member Jomo Williams, each of whom have their own unique and engaging anecdotes to share about first encountering McKinney and the subsequent direction things took in that series of instances.
Likewise, the input from McKinney’s former wife Dana McKinney and his daughter Emily McKinney brings that key sense of not just family into the mix, but a more direct, heartening and unsettling viewpoint of how this doting father and devoted spouse’s attitudes shifted and the ensuing confusion and uncertainty that accompanied it for them. We also get the opinion and angle of everything that transpired through the eyes of Capt. Kent Kurtz of the Muncie Police who was among those, including the FBI, who investigated McKinney but deemed that he wasn’t a credible threat any longer. The bonds that formed between McKinney, the Bahrami’s, Williams, and the Islamic community at the Center in the aftermath of the thwarted-by-love plan spoke volumes to precisely what this society, ALL societies, so desperately need to embrace, regardless of what faith or beliefs you hold dear. McKinney himself stated it best in relation to what those individuals provided for him–“Put Islam aside. You showed me what true humanity is”.
McKinney has since worked to fight to forgive himself, knowing the journey to redemption is an ongoing choice. He travels to speaking engagements, sharing about how to turn hate into understanding. He even served as President of the Muncie Islamic Center for two years. Best way to really witness this incredible foray into all the facets described above–click the link above and WATCH! So, in total, “Stranger At The Gate” is an impactful, courageous, soul-stirring, wholly necessary film, for it is REAL LIFE we’re seeing–REAL people, REAL stories, REAL love. Let’s be even more plain–if this ISN’T an exemplification of what humanity SHOULD BE, then I’m totally lost as to what is.
As always, this is all for your consideration and comment. Until next time, thank you for reading!
