Mustafa Davis

After an attempt to bring Syrian refugees into the predominately white New England town of Rutland, Vermont, unleashes deep partisan rancor, a longtime Rutland resident emerges as an unexpected leader in a town divided by class, cultural values, and divisive politics.

The short film Redneck Muslim explores the life and work of Shane Atkinson, a hospital chaplain in-training at North Carolina's biggest trauma center and founder of the on-line group the 'Society of Islamic Rednecks.' A 45-year old, white "good old boy" from Mississippi who converted to Islam in 1999, Shane is exploring ways to honor his Southern heritage while also challenging white supremacy.