Directed by: Laurence Topham
Produced by: Guardian News & Media
Runtime: 21 minutes
Released: 2021
Overview
My Brother’s Keeper is a moving 21-minute documentary from The Guardian that explores one of the most unexpected friendships to emerge from the Guantanamo Bay detention camp. It tells the story of Mohamedou Ould Slahi, the Mauritanian man whose 14-year ordeal without charge was depicted in the film The Mauritanian, and Steve Wood, one of the American military guards who watched over him. The film reveals an astonishing conclusion: Wood, deeply impacted by Slahi’s unwavering faith and character, later converted to Islam.
The short film is a profound lesson in seeing our shared humanity beyond the labels of prisoner and jailer, and a powerful testament to the transformative impact of Islamic principles in action.
Why It’s Worth Watching
- A Testament to Shared Humanity: This film is a real-world example of the Islamic principle that all people are created from a single soul. It shows how two men from opposing worlds found common ground in kindness and mutual respect, breaking down the walls of prejudice and fear.
- A Lesson in Islamic Character (Akhlaq): The documentary shows how Slahi’s patience, forgiveness, and unwavering good character in the face of injustice were the very things that challenged his guard’s stereotypes and built a bridge to an unlikely friendship and to Wood’s conversion to Islam. It’s a profound look at faith in action, and the ultimate proof of the power of leading by example.
- The Perfect Companion Piece: This short doc acts as an impactful real-life epilogue to the dramatic film The Mauritanian. Seeing the actual individuals and their genuine bond adds a deeply moving layer to the narrative.
- Short but Impactful: At just 21 minutes, it’s an incredibly efficient and emotionally moving watch. It delivers a message of hope and redemption that will spark reflection and conversation long after it ends.
Want More?
This documentary is a companion piece to the story told in the 2021 film The Mauritanian, which we have reviewed on our site. For Mohamedou Slahi’s full, incredible story in his own words, we highly recommend his book, Guantánamo Diary. Visit our Media section for more.
💬 Comments
What did you think of this documentary? Does this story of forgiveness and friendship change your perspective? Share your thoughts below.