DIRECTOR’S STATEMENT

I’ve had the privilege of spending the past several years working with anti-hate activists Life After Hate - a group of former neo-Nazis and Skinheads now working to de-radicalize White Nationalists (although they prefer the term “re-humanize”), and provide education & support for families & communities battling on the front lines of hate.

When I embarked on the project – initially envisioned as an examination of the “crisis of masculinity” in American – Trump had yet to settle into the Oval Office.  Although the warning signs were surely there, I could never have anticipated what lay ahead in the form of Charlottesville, the rise of the Alt Right, executive branch-endorsed xenophobia & intolerance, and a truly shocking rise in hate crimes.

Now Nationalism and extremist hate crimes have been catapulted to the world stage – from the tragic anti-Semitic attack in Pittsburgh, to the brutal assault upon Muslim worshippers in Christchurch, NZ, to the senseless targeting of Hispanics in El Paso – along with a very public debate about who we aspire to be as a people.  It was my good fortune to find myself in the company of this extraordinary group of individuals, committed towards creating a powerful force for good, instead of merely cursing the darkness.

It’s been an honor to work with and learn from such an inspiring group of people – not to mention having been given the opportunity to tell their remarkable story.  In the midst of disturbing and uncertain times, they’ve shown me – time and time again – that there’s a hopeful way forward.  I believe this film captures and conveys that crucial message and spirit.

Peter Hutchison