Reviews
"Wonderful, rich, and compelling. Facing Fear provides a view of the inner damage suffered on both sides of human divisions, as well as the non-linear pathways to forgiveness and transcendence. It sheds light on the values of tolerance, mindfulness and compassionate dialogue. I will be recommending it not only for my students and clients, but also for scholars and researchers of humanity in every field." Richard Ryan, Professor of Psychology, Psychiatry and Education, University of Rochester
"A moving lesson in forgiveness, the short film is a testament to the power of tolerance and diversity. Recommended for any collection, but especially for younger audiences." David Gibbs, Library of Congress, Library Journal
"Facing Fear is an incredibly powerful story of forgiveness and hope. This documentary is not only a perfect tool for teaching tolerance, diversity and human relations in the classroom, but also serves as an example to everyone that genuine transformation and reconciliation are possible." Jane Gauthier, Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice and Criminalistics, California State University-Los Angeles
"An inspirational story, this is highly recommended." M. Puffer-Rothenberg, Video Librarian
"Highly recommended for school and public libraries." Nancy Silverrod, School Library Journal
"A wonderful, touching film - Facing Fear illustrates that the gift of forgiveness changes lives. The courage that these two men possess, the love they share for one another, and the power of forgiveness truly creates a life-saving example for those who are lucky enough to hear their story." Ronni Sanlo, Former Director, UCLA Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Campus Resource Center, Author, Working with Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender College Students: A Handbook for Faculty and Administrators
"Facing Fear provides a timely real life example of the causes and harmful consequences of hate. It also, quite uniquely and powerfully, demonstrates the potential for hope and forgiveness for those involved in hate crimes. The story provides rich ground for student discussion of hate crime-related theory and practice, and will serve as an integral part of my graduate course on hate and discrimination." Dr. Rob Cramer, Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice, University of Alabama
"This film reminds us that there is a kind of alchemy in victim and perpetrator escaping their definitions and coming to treat one another as full human beings. Tim and Matthew's lives were irreparably intertwined-through violence and ignorance. Their triumph is to intertwine them once again through compassion and knowledge." Rabbi Patricia Karlin-Neumann, Senior Associate Dean for Religious Life, Stanford University
"A fascinating and personal look at hate crime from two extremely distinct vantage points...The subsequent reconciliation and friendship between these two men provides a surprisingly hopeful tale from which much can be learned. Instructors from across a range of disciplines would find this short film very useful in discussions of prejudice, desistance from crime, and restorative processes of forgiveness." Dr. Eric Madfis, Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice, University of Washington-Tacoma, Author, The Risk of School Rampage: Assessing and Preventing Threats of School Violence
"Watching these two strangers work together through the difficult process of forgiveness sends a powerful and hopeful message of how hate can be overcome. The film is well-suited for audiences exploring topics such as hate crimes, violence, inclusivity, and forgiveness." Dr. Jessica Hodge, Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice and Criminology, University of Missouri - Kansas City
"Extraordinary and uplifting...Informative and powerful...Everyone in America-and in other societies where religion and chauvinism breed homophobia-should watch this film." Jack David Eller, Anthropology Reviews Database
"Powerful film...Opens the door for further discussion." Candace Smith, Booklist
"Could you forgive the person who nearly killed you, just for being who you are?...This concept and how it will uniquely affect any person that watches it is what makes this short film so powerful." Spencer Stein, The Source
"Striking and surreal." Kimberley Jones, The Austin Chronicle
"So superb...emotionally devastating -- not for the fainthearted." Barry Paris, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
"Facing Fear is the kind of docu feature that deserves to be shown in classrooms everywhere, to teach young minds today of the hurt that intolerance can cause and that although to forgive and to ask forgiveness are two of the most difficult things a man can do, it is possible. Facing Fear dares to disturb our comfort zone and its bravery deserves an Oscar win." Rama's Screen
"Remarkable-and it should be required viewing for schools nationwide." Jared Mobarak, The Film Stage
"A gentle but penetrating short doc...Facing Fear reminds that our past mistakes needn't rule our future, and that we're all capable of growth and transcendence." Jeffrey Wells, Hollywood Elsewhere
"Riveting documentary...A must-see." Advocate.com
"A testament to Director Jason Cohen's skills [is] that after viewing this finely crafted short you want more." Chris Hill, Cinema Assassin
"Truly remarkable to watch." The Huffington Post
"Definitely Oscar worthy." Independent Film Quarterly
"Compelling...A unique story exploring hate and forgiveness from the perspectives of both the victim and the perpetrator of a hate crime. This film successfully illustrates that even the most virulently homophobic and racist members of society can be reached and changed, which is an important message in our current political climate." Kyle Shupe, Teaching Sociology
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