Anti-Muslim vitriol has reached boiling point in the US. Just ask the residents of Islamberg, a small African-American Muslim community in upstate New York. In 2015, the FBI foiled a planned attack on a church led by a 63-year-old Christian pastor from Tennessee. White Fright retraces the ins and outs of his insane plan, introduces his intended target parents and children, and attempts to unravel the effects of the predatory hatred that fueled him.
As portrayed in the film, Islamabad is a place of serenity, family and transparency. The media, especially Fox News and others on the right, paint a bleaker picture. Through them, the public witnessed a barrage of reports alleging that the neighborhood was a terrorist camp openly hidden on American soil.
This report had a profound effect on Robert Doggett. He begins to formulate plans to destroy the community. Using his ministerial powers of persuasion, he recruited a small group of co-conspirators to assist him in this work. Among them was an FBI informant. Surveillance footage and email exchanges betrayed their brutal plan. Islamberg’s family will face death from guns, machetes or poisoned water supplies.
Curiously, the media outlets that portrayed Islamberg as a terrorist threat remained silent after Doggart’s arrest. Backed by a dedicated lawyer, the community decided to vigorously defend itself by forming its own media outlet. Through press conferences, writing, rallies, and other activism, they continue to call for an end to harassment and discrimination.
This film is an extension of that mission. Community members open up about their lives with filmmakers. Residents as young as seven spoke of their commitment to family and faith, and their fear of surviving in an increasingly hostile, irrational and intolerant culture.
White Fear, produced by The Guardian, reminds us of the importance and danger of unchecked hate speech. It also shows us how to undo hate by encouraging more empathy and understanding.
Directed by: David Felix Sutcliffe
