In a virtual ceremony Sunday evening, the National Association of Television Arts and Sciences (NATAS) awarded the Emmy for Outstanding Directing Special Class to David McKenzie, for the critically-acclaimed documentary film, Hate Among Us.
The film deals with an important subject matter, tracking the origins of hate crimes against members of the Jewish faith as well as many others, and the ultimate murder of an estimated six million European Jews by the Nazi regime and its collaborators.
Hate Among Us follows the family members of Mireille Knolle, an 85-year-old Holocaust survivor who was murdered in her Paris apartment in 2018 in anti-Semitic hate crime. The film sheds light on unique perspectives on antisemitism from all cultures and all faiths — from within historic Jewish neighborhoods in Europe to the streets of Charlottesville and Pittsburgh’s Tree Of Life Synagogue massacre.
Under David’s powerful direction, Hate Among Us illustrates how renewed intolerance is taking root in out communities, with far-reaching consequences around the world.
In his acceptance speech, David expressed his gratitude, stating that this recognition can further help create awareness for the issues tackled in the film:
“We are very thankful that the Academy has given attention to this important subject that affects all of us. I am honored that they recognized this work so that hopefully it will bring more attention to this subject matter and shine a light on the terrible situation that hate generates among people.”
The David McKenzie-directed film is distributed by American television International, premiering on POPSTAR! TV. Hate Among Us is executive-produced by Dean Cain, Montel Williams, Sergey Sarkisov, Laura McKenzie and David McKenzie.
On David’s Best Director nod, Dean Cain shared his appreciation for the recognition bestowed on David and the film:
“It helps us to achieve our goal, which is to shine a light on hate and help educate people about the history and the current growth of hate and anti-Semitism. We are very excited about this recognition and hope this brings more awareness to this serious humanitarian crisis.”
Montel Williams spoke about the film’s relevance:
“When we set out to make Hate Among Us, we knew it was an urgent project. In these divided times, we have to remember that hate and bigotry are never the answer.”
Sergey Sarkisov addressed the overwhelming response to the film, saying:
“The response of the community from this inhumanity proves that this topic is very important to many people as well as being very relevant. I do believe that Hate Among Us contributes to the proper understanding and empathy that any kind of national, racial or religious hate continues to be an existing danger and every human, including humanity itself, can be a target.”
Hate Among Us is the second film from the powerhouse producers. Their likewise critically-acclaimed first documentary Architects of Denial, also directed by David, delved into the Armenian Genocide, which is still not fully recognized as of this day.
Hate Among Us will be re-released this fall to major outlets worldwide.
Congratulations, David McKenzie and the producing team of Hate Among Us!
