t's a social dystopia that doesn't seem so far-fetched: The USA is under the control of a civilian hate militia that tracks down, persecutes and suppresses undesirables (i.e. non-white, non-heterosexual or non-Christian). All unwelcome fellow citizens are identified by a barcode on their necks. Zabi, a Muslim woman who was herself the victim of a terrorist attack, is on the run to Canada with friends. A remote farm is supposed to offer refuge before they cross the border. But the militia, known as “The Volunteers”, are closing in. When the hiding place threatens to be exposed, it is a matter of life and death for the refugees. Low budget but high relevance: The US indie production “American Riot” begins in a leisurely narrative tone, but escalates into an exciting commentary on the current developments in the US. While the background story develops with the courage to leave gaps in the flashbacks, images of the recent past (e.g. the US Capitol storm by the “Proud Boys”) repeatedly come to mind. The film pleads for the dismantling of hatred and prejudice for the good of all. "AMERICAN INSURRECTION is a riveting, powerful film and, dare I say, a cautionary tale. An intense pot-boiling character study and societal study from director William Sullivan and writers Sullivan and Jarret Kerr that is emotionally raw and visceral. But what stands out is that the film has a heartbeat; a heartbeat for tolerance, peace, and understanding that comes through the characters of Zahbi and Gabe – both of whom have seen violence and war first-hand and know the cost of divisiveness and hatred. Sullivan and co-writer Jarret Kerr pay attention to character with the development of each being thorough, layered, and tapestried with emotion, history, and color. And the deeper we get into this waiting game they are playing, as secrets bubble to the surface, the more hatred and prejudices come to light even among “their own kind”. [...] AMERICAN INSURRECTION is a pot-boiler, just like the world in which we live and with the events, we have seen and continually see unfold. Providing tacit socio-political commentary on where we as a nation are headed if we aren’t careful, Sullivan and Kerr hold the mirror up to each of us, individually and collectively, asking us to pay attention." (Debbie Lynn Elias, on: Behind the Lense)