Enemy Alien 2011
Distributed by Third World Newsreel, 545 Eighth Avenue, 10th Floor, New York, NY 10018; 212-947-9277
Produced by Konrad Aderer
Directed by Konrad Aderer
DVD, color, 82 min.
Sr. High - General Adult
American Studies, Biography, Ethics, Human Rights, Middle Eastern Studies, Multicultural Studies, Storytelling
Date Entered: 12/18/2012
Reviewed by Brad Eden, Ph.D., Dean of Library Services, Valparaiso UniversityThis video is a documentary that examines the darker side of American imperialism, protectionism, and extremism. It is the story of a Palestinian-born human rights activist, Farouk Abdel-Muhti, whose detention and abuse by the Absconder Task Force soon after 9/11 is reminiscent of America's response toward Japanese-Americans soon after Pearl Harbor. The filmmaker is in fact a descendant of Japanese-Americans incarcerated after Pearl Harbor, and he weaves his own experience into the film along with his portrayal of Farouk. The documentary spends time with Farouk in discussion and contemplation, working through the many trials and abuse he had to endure in order to be set free. Even then, Farouk's efforts for human rights for the Palestinian people ended on July 21, 2004, when he collapsed and died from a heart attack after an impassioned speech at the Ethical Society in Philadelphia. This video portrays two injustices by the American government, and makes the viewer wonder what other illegal and unethical activities the American government hides and keeps hidden while actively denouncing the same tactics by other governments. A very interesting and highly charged documentary.