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Deep Dive: The Militiaman (2021)

Film Lens

The Militiaman
The Militiaman focuses on Christian Yingling, a 48-year-old Iraqi War Veteran and machinist, who leads a militia group in rural Pennsylvania. The film captures his preparations for a politically charged 2020, marked by a pandemic and protests against racial injustice. Yingling's internal conflict is central as he grapples with his role as a militia leader while facing financial difficulties and the moral implications of his actions. The documentary presents a detailed look at the militia's activities, including paramilitary drills, food and ammunition stockpiling, and participation in gun rights rallies. It portrays the group's concerns about government infringement on constitutional rights, set against the backdrop of a tumultuous political landscape, culminating in the unique circumstances of the 2020 Presidential election.

Why Watch

  • •Meet Christian Yingling, a militia leader with a moral dilemma.
  • •See how a pandemic reshapes militia activities.
  • •Follow the militia's preparations for a doomsday scenario.

Did You Know

•Christian Yingling has commanded his militia for over ten years.
•The film has a runtime of 32 minutes.
•Yingling is an Iraqi War Veteran and a machinist.
•The events take place in rural Pennsylvania.

Perfect For

Militia movementsIraq War veteransGun rights activism