UPDATE: A powerful new documentary titled Homegrown is shedding light on the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack, just as America grapples with its implications five years later. Directed by Michael Premo, the film follows three members of the neo-fascist group Proud Boys during the volatile summer of 2020 leading up to the insurrection, capturing the intense emotions surrounding these pivotal events.
As many Americans attempt to forget, Homegrown has garnered critical acclaim, captivating viewers across Europe and South America. However, it remains without a distributor in the U.S., reflecting a troubling trend of downplaying the significance of January 6. “I really think it’s telling around the narrative that it’s been diminished within our national conversation,” Premo stated. “That implies we’re only destined to repeat it.”
The film has made waves internationally, even ranking as the sixth-most popular streaming movie in New Zealand. Yet, U.S. audiences can only access it directly from the film’s website between January 6 and February 16, 2024. “We’ve encountered confounding rejection from distributors,” Premo added, noting that many prefer “light, happy fare” over films addressing uncomfortable truths.
Viewers are met with gripping insights into the lives of the three men featured: Chris Quaglin, a father-to-be and Proud Boys activist; Thad Cisneros, a high-ranking Latino member forging alliances against police violence; and Randy Ireland, an Air Force veteran involved in the group’s operations. Their narratives reveal a mix of violence, self-reflection, and regret, providing an emotional portrait of individuals swept up in a larger movement.
Quaglin’s story is particularly haunting. Just weeks after the Capitol riot, he is seen preparing a room for his unborn child, revealing his belief that drastic actions were necessary. “If you think DC was bad, just wait,” he ominously warned, reflecting the sense of urgency felt by many involved in the insurrection. He was later arrested and convicted of 14 charges, including assaulting police and obstruction of Congress, ultimately receiving a pardon from Donald Trump.
As Premo reflects on the state of the nation, he warns that the underlying issues that fueled January 6 have not been resolved. The documentary serves as a stark reminder of the potential for violence to resurface. “They’re waiting for when they’re needed again,” Premo cautioned, highlighting how Trump’s consolidation of power has rendered grassroots activists somewhat redundant.
The release of Homegrown is an urgent call to remember the past and confront the realities of American political extremism. As the nation inches closer to the next presidential election, the film emphasizes the need for vigilance against the forces that could threaten democracy again.
For those who want to witness this crucial documentary, Homegrown will be available for rental through its official website until February 16. Don’t miss the chance to engage with this important narrative as America navigates its tumultuous political landscape.
