''An Eye for an Eye'' (2016 film)

An Eye for an Eye is a 2016 documentary film, directed by award-winning filmmaker Ilan Ziv. The film stars Mark Stroman, Rais Bhuiyan and Ilan Ziv. The story chronicles the riveting drama of revenge, change and forgiveness as lived by Mark Stroman on Texas Death Row. The film opened on October 28, 2016 in the USA and Canada.

An Eye for an Eye was released on October 28, 2016 in New York, Los Angeles, Houston, Dallas & Montreal. The film also opened in New Orleans and Toronto on November 11, 2106.

Plot

In the weeks following 9/11, dozens of attacks against Muslims, Sikhs and other minorities were reported across America. Among the perpetrators was Mark Stroman, who began “hunting Arabs,” as he described his nightly prowling. He set targets on anyone he thought came from the Middle East. His victims happened to be immigrants from Pakistan, Bangladesh and India. He killed two and partially blinded a young man from Bangladesh. He was arrested, convicted and sentenced to Death.

In a rare twist of fate, in the weeks before in impending execution, his only surviving victim became his biggest advocate – Rais Bhuiyan, a devoted Muslim, began a campaign to spare Mark's life in the name of Islam and its notion of mercy.

With unprecedented access and in-depth interviews, the film charts this riveting drama of revenge, change and forgiveness. At its heart is the profound bond forged between Stroman and the Israeli-born filmmaker Ilan Ziv. For the first time in Mark's life, the narrative of hate starts to wear off as he begins a journey inward that challenges some of his most intolerable thoughts about the people and the world he lives in. A powerful human drama that carries a warning and a message of hope in our troubled times.

Critical reception

“It offers a glimmer of hope, particularly in all the madness and divisiveness that has so engulfed the planet now.”

Bill Brownstein, Montreal Gazette^[1]

“An Eye for an Eye is a compelling film with an equally compelling message. It reminds us that as powerful as hate is, love is just as powerful.”

Galadriel Barrett, In the Seats^[2]

“...the director discovered the equally extraordinary story of his one surviving victim’s path to forgiveness.”

Jason Anderson, The Toronto Star^[3]

“...the documentary [is] an interesting meditation on the meaning of justice and vengeance.”

Adam Sidsworth, Toronto Film Scene^[4]

“...An Eye for an Eye is very fascinating, and more relevant than ever.”

Addison Wylie, Wylie Writes Reviews^[5]

“...a well-layered film makes a fascinating case for forgiveness and a sharp rebuke of Bible-taught eye-for-an-eye revenge.”

Brad Wheeler, The Globe and Mail^[6]

“ [An Eye for an Eye is] about vengeance and racism but also compassion and forgiveness.”

Daniel Garber^[7]

“A Lone Wolf Renounces His Islamophobia on Death Row and Befriends His Victim”

Vikram Murthi, IndieWire^[8]

References