The convenient fiction promoted by many in the western world – that threats come from elsewhere – is about to be torn to shreds by writer-director Daniel Ragussis, in his feature-length debut, Imperium. Inspired by real events, the story was written by former FBI terrorism specialist, Michael German, and shines a very bright light on the issue of domestic, right-wing militias operating inside the United States of America.
Michael German spent 16 years with the FBI – initially investigating white collar crime, until another agent tapped him for undercover work, specifically because he had blonde hair and blue eyes. Tasked with infiltrating a neo-nazi group, German was instrumental in dismantling a number of potentially lethal terrorist plots, until he reported official misconduct and found his career ending.
While Imperium is simply “inspired” by real events, it would seem that the main character of the film is loosely based upon the former agent, and the tale is akin to his experiences in the field. Daniel Radcliffe leads the cast, and is joined by Toni Collette, Tracy Letts, Nestor Campbell, Burn Gorman, and Sam Trammell.
You can check out the official plot summary below:
“Nate Foster (Daniel Radcliffe), a young, idealistic FBI agent, goes undercover to take down a radical right-wing terrorist group. The bright up-and-coming analyst must confront the challenge of sticking to a new identity while maintaining his real principles as he navigates the dangerous underworld of white supremacy.”
With extreme right-wing views gaining more and more traction in the media – thanks to the rise of prospective presidential candidate Donald Trump, among other issues – this tale could not be more relevant, or unsettling. It also drives home the fact that more violent crimes and acts of domestic terror are committed by white men than anyone else – despite the 24 hour news cycle preferring to focus on the threat from so-called Islamic terrorism.
Make no mistake, this first footage would seem to preview a film that aims an unflinching lens at something that is a very real problem for western societies but that remains, perhaps, the least acknowledged by the media. As has always been the case, people would prefer to search the distant horizon for enemies, than contemplate the fact that enemies are actually right here, at home – and always have been.
Imperium arrives in cinemas and on VOD on August 19th, 2016.
