In the wake of the devastation of 9/11, a surge of racially aggravated occurrences reflected how quickly small-minded bigots are to use terrible disasters to support their own racist ideologies. SPLC has used news reports to collect a list of anti-Muslim incidents since September 11th, 2001.[1] This list runs from the date of the attack until 2011and highlights how very little has been done over the years to repair the vast divides driven into communities. This has allowed hate and fear to fester and grow.
Writer and director Kayvon Derak Shanian brings us back to 2002 in a devastating short film that unfortunately will feel all too familiar for the many people living in fear of prejudice. Shanian tells the story with subtleties at first before shocking the audience with the brutal truth. Our protagonist, Cameron (Nour Jude Assaf), is unable to go inside the local store. Something is driving his anxiety to unimaginable levels. We see a young man in an emotional turmoil that exceeds the standard “teenage angst”. As well as the anxiety, an anger rages just under the surface. Despite this, Cameron is surrounded by love. His mother, Julie (Kathleen Wilhoite) is patient and understanding, but Cameron is frustrated because there are some things about him she simply can’t understand.
Both Assaf and Wilhoite are exceptional. The emotions shared between them draw the audience in, holding them with baited breath as we wait to uncover the full story. Assaf as Cameron captures all the nuance of someone who has experienced a traumatic event first hand. He resonates with both the gaping fractures and subtle splinters caused to the self when simply existing as you are could put you in potential danger. Wilhoite takes the role of Cameron’s mother with care and sensitivity, her relationship with him glowing on the screen.
When the truth is revealed, it feels a gut-wrenching blow. A tragic and avoidable loss caused by hatred and prejudice. We see Cameron’s father (Arash Mokhtar) brutally beaten to death in a racially aggravated assault. With severe PTSD from witnessing the event, Cameron lives in fear of something similar happening to him. Faces on the street become those of his father’s attackers – nowhere feels safe. Especially not the local store where the attack took place.
Kayvon Derak Shanian demonstrates how racial prejudice has damaging and lasting effects. He creates a web of cause and effect that can be clearly traced and understood, helping people understand how dangerous and how deeply impactful it can be.
Living in Fear is a film with a message, and that message is delivered with power and purpose. Watch the trailer below.
[1] https://www.splcenter.org/news/2011/03/29/anti-muslim-incidents-sept-11-2001