Facing Fear

Gr 8 Up—Nominated for the Best Documentary Short Subject Academy Award in 2014, this tells an incredible story of violence, forgiveness, and, ultimately, friendship. More than 25 years ago, Matthew Boger, 14, was living on the streets after being kicked out of his home for being gay. While hustling in West Hollywood, he had a late-night run in with a group of neo-Nazi skinheads. The attack ended with the group of 14, including an angry 17-year-old named Tim Zaal, leaving Boger for dead. Years later, Boger was working as the manager of operations at the Museum of Tolerance in Los Angeles when he recognized a new volunteer, Zaal. Hesitant to make contact, Boger was encouraged to face his fears. As the two men slowly became reacquainted and talked openly with each other, they were able to heal the past. They now make joint presentations to student groups in Los Angeles and have become personal friends. The Davida Wills Hurwin novel Freaks and Revelations (Little, Brown, 2009), based on Boger and Zaal's story, would make an excellent classroom pairing with this short film.