Stranger at the Gate

Should you ever doubt that kindness and understanding can make a difference, please watch this film from director Joshua Seftel (WAR, INC, 2008). The 29 minute run time may just rejuvenate your faith in human beings to change their attitude and be accepting of those they once distrusted.

As a Marine, Richard "Mac" McKinney was trained to hate and kill Muslims. He was informed that they were terrorists out to destroy his country, and September 11, 2001 was all the proof he needed. A simple question from his young daughter Emily convinced him he needed to act, so he plotted to bomb the Islamic Culture Center of Muncie (Indiana). So this former Marine, a trained killer and hater, headed to the mosque to obtain the "proof" he needed to convince his daughter that his actions were righteous.

A funny thing happened. Mac was treated kindly by the folks there. They asked him questions and guided him to a better understanding. Now this didn't happen overnight. A shift in beliefs never occurs quickly. However, their treatment of Mac not only (unknowingly) saved their own lives, it saved his as well. He may have been trained to not think of his war targets as human beings, but he found them to show him more humanity than he'd ever known. It's chilling to see Emily ponder what it would have been like to have a mass murderer as a father, and mostly we are inspired to see good people work so diligently at accepting someone who initially showed them nothing but hatred. Nobel Prize winner Malala Yousafzai is one of the producers of the film.

The story is really something I've ever seen. Everyone should watch this documentary. These type of stories are very few that elaborate how kindness and humanity change the lives. And the story shows the facts as facts. The documentary truly shows the dangerous effects of hate.

It also shows how peace can change a personality and mindset. And how love can heal a person and give them courage and strength.

I hope no one miss this as it's truly a heart touching story and it shows the real meanings of humanity and kindness.

And thanks for sharing this story with the world...!!

Thanks a lot...!!

The documentary is about Mac McKinney, a former Marine who struggled with PTSD after serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. He developed hatred towards the Islam community. This film tells his journey from hatred towards understanding and compassion.

Really a chilling short documentary. The people he intended to kill would save not just his life, but also his soul. I just thought maybe the film could've been a bit longer, I dunno. But overall I find it riveting.

People, and I also mean the whole world, needs to see this. Love and kindness are the cure for all these hatred going on in this crazy world.

A must see 28 minute short that is well made, genuine and a surprise! About a father that seems normal and gets transformed because of the marine core. The performances are outstanding that stay interesting; I see why this has done well! The interviews/stories are fascinating along with being harsh. Stranger at the Gate is something special that is quite well directed something I probably wouldn't have seen if I wasn't as into the award shows more so than ever before and the subject matter is intense for me yet peacefully told. More than most shorts except The Boy, the Mole, the fox and the horse this is worthy of a win.

This is a heartwarming demonstration of how in the midst of darkness, love and humanity can prevail. An uplifting piece amidst the global suffering of COVID and war.

Inner peace is not found in isolation, hatred of others or by renouncing the world, but can be attained as an active family member and member of one's community.

The importance of sharing with others what life has given, and living life fully with an awareness of the divine within each of us will make this world a better place.

This short films highlights all that is good with community and love of thy neighbour. An important reminder to us all. Highly recommend.