Directed by: Joshua Seftel
Produced by: Smartypants Pictures in partnership with The New Yorker
Runtime: 29 minutes
Released: 2022
Overview
Stranger at the Gate is a gripping and deeply emotional short documentary that tells the true story of Richard “Mac” McKinney, a former U.S. Marine planning to bomb a mosque in his hometown of Muncie, Indiana — only to have his life transformed by the very people he intended to harm. What begins as a narrative of fear and extremism becomes a story of grace, humanity, and the redemptive power of compassion.
This Oscar-nominated film is more than just a powerful personal journey; it’s a poignant meditation on the consequences of hate, the reality of post-9/11 Islamophobia, and the transformative strength of empathy when Muslims respond to suspicion with radical welcome.
Why It’s Worth Watching
- Timely and Relevant: In a time of rising hate crimes and polarization, Stranger at the Gate offers a hopeful counter-narrative, showing how real change happens when people meet across lines of difference.
- Emotionally Moving: The storytelling is tight, raw, and sincere. It unfolds like a thriller but lands like a parable, with each person, from the former Marine to the mosque members, portrayed with care and dignity.
- Faith in Action: This film isn’t just about misconceptions or prejudice, it’s about Islam. The quiet courage, kindness, and humility shown by the mosque’s members reflect Islamic ethics in practice.
- Short but Impactful: At just under 30 minutes, this is an easy watch that sparks long conversations. Ideal for classrooms, interfaith events, or personal reflection.
Want More?
If this documentary moved you, explore more real-life stories and films in our growing collection of media that explore Islam through a human lens. Visit our Media section for more.
💬 Comments
Have you watched Stranger at the Gate?
What thoughts, feelings, or questions did it raise for you? Whether you want to reflect, recommend a related film, or explore how this story intersects with your own experience — we’d love to hear from you.