2023 83 min / 55 min (Abridged Version) 978-1-893521-19-3 This film has subtitles

English

The Cure for Hate

Bearing Witness to Auschwitz

Synopsis

The Cure for Hate documents the profoundly personal journey of atonement taken by Tony McAleer, a one-time skinhead and Holocaust denier, as he travels to the former Nazi extermination camp Auschwitz-Birkenau and explores the conditions that allowed for the rise of fascism in 1930s Europe. McAleer, who went on to co-found the anti-hate activist group Life After Hate after shedding his violent past, shines unique light on how men get into, and out of, violent extremist groups, and underscores the dangers of allowing hate to be left unchecked.

In the end, while Auschwitz-Birkenau serves as a haunting monument to how hate can breed monstrous and inhumane acts of cruelty and violence, Tony McAleer’s personal story – a story he’s brought to synagogues, classrooms, community town hall gatherings, law enforcement agencies, and the U.S. Congress – reminds us that transformation and healing are always possible. If a hardened neo-Nazi can find his way back from hate, then what lessons can a journey like his hold for the rest of us?

(Warning: The following film contains graphic images that may be disturbing to some viewers. Viewer discretion is advised.)

Release Date:2023

Duration: 83 min / 55 min (Abridged Version)

ISBN:978-1-893521-19-3

Subtitles:English

Trailers

Watch the trailer

Filmmaker Credits

Director, Producer, Writer

Peter Hutchison

Producer, Editor

Lucas Sabean

Writer, Co-Producer

Tony McAleer

Executive Producer

Friedrika Merck

Cinematographers

Marcin Kopiec & Maciek Glaz

Graphics by

Ben Radatz

Film Festivals

Glimmerglass Film Days 2023

Twin Cities Film Fest Official Selection 2023

Julien Dubuque International Film Festival Official Selection 2024

J Film Festival Official Selection 2023

Belleville Downtown DocFest Official Selection 2024

Beloit International Film Festival Official Selection 2024

Resources: Downloads and Related Links

Downloads:

Praise

"This film is so powerful... [Tony McAleer's] journey to bear witness, interspersed with his personal story is incredible."

— June Morris
Board of Directors, National Council for Social Studies

"I can't stress this enough, this film is something special and is not something you have ever experienced before. This film will move you...one of the best I’ve seen in 2023."

— Steve Kopian
Unseen Films

"A beautifully shot, well-directed film that... holds a substantial level of importance, not only about our past but our future. 4 1/2 Stars."

— Chris Jones
Overly Honest Movie Reviews

"It's documentaries like this one that must keep the memory of the horrors of genocide over ideology alive today, or dare we repeat the past."

— Alan Ng
Film Threat

"A riveting and deeply important film."

— Kathryn Spitz Cohan
Film Pittsburgh

"In today’s environment, with increasing division and othering, programs like Cure for Hate are more essential than ever. [...] The program’s focus on addressing the roots of hatred and violence speaks directly to the needs of our community and, we believe, many others across the nation."

— Jess Westhoff
Education Programs Manager, Wassmuth Center for Human Rights

"We’ve experienced firsthand the impact Tony’s work and the approach of Cure For Hate has had upon both students and community. [...] We’ve been impressed with the powerful impact of Tony’s personal journey has had on students and teachers."

— Polly Byers
Executive Director, Karuna Center for Peacebuilding

"The Cure for Hate provides avenues to process in a clear, apolitical and meaningful way. Against the backdrop of today’s current events, that is not easy to do. Though it’s been several months, the impact of The Cure for Hate lingers in Brattleboro, VT. I am still hearing from teachers and students how grateful they were for the experience."

— Susan Healy
Administrative Director, Windham World Affairs Council

"The timely message that The Cure For Hate promotes needs to be heard by everyone. Why? Because those who want to make a positive impact in their community will feel supported and motivated to continue their good work, and those who are going down the path of hatred and bigotry will be challenged to confront their own views."

— Rabbi Beth Jacowitz Chottiner
Temple Shalom, Louisville, KY

"There is significantly more to do to impact school groups with messages about eradicating hate. This film will help us meet that need."

— Lori Sisson, PhD
Film Pittsburgh-Teen Screen Director

"This was such a valuable experience. My students were amazed at the lessons they learned from the video. There was so much they didn’t know about modern-day hate. They were especially interested to hear the director’s viewpoints and to watch how he wound the Holocaust history in with a person who has grown beyond hate."

— Teacher comment

"Antisemitism and other forms of hate are still seen today because some people view differences in religion, race, or culture as a source of conflict rather than something to be celebrated. This can lead to discrimination and prejudice, which can escalate into more serious forms of hate and violence. To combat this, it is important to educate people about diversity and promote mutual respect and understanding. We need to create safe and inclusive spaces where all individuals are valued and treated with kindness. Personally, I plan to speak up when I see discrimination and support organizations that work towards equality and inclusion."

— Student comment