Meet Bibi, the star of an Oscar-shortlisted documentary who saved hundreds of people

Nobel Peace Prize-Winner Malala Yousafzai’s new documentary short film Stranger at the Gate – shortlisted for an Academy Award, Critics Choice Award nominee, and winner of the Tribeca Festival’s Special Jury Mention for Best Documentary Short – tells the dramatic, timely story of a former U.S. Marine who plans to bomb an Indiana mosque. When he meets an Afghan refugee and her family, their story takes a surprising turn towards friendship and compassion.
“This film is a powerful true story of forgiveness and redemption,” Malala, Executive Producer of the film, says. “I hope the film challenges every viewer to question their assumptions and show kindness to everyone they meet.”
‘Stranger at the Gate’ tells a true story about US Marine Richard “Mac” McKinney. After several tours of duty in the Middle East, McKinney was shattered and suffered from PTSD. Blinded by fury, he plotted to attack a mosque in his hometown of Muncie, Indiana. But when McKinney visited the mosque to gather information, he meets Afghan refugee Bibi Bahrami, a founder of the Islamic Center of Muncie, her physician husband Saber Bahrami, their son Zaki Bahrami, and Jomo Williams – a member of the Mosque with a generations-long African American family history in Muncie. They befriended him with kindness and love. Instead of committing an act of violence, he discovered a new sense of community and shared faith. After McKinney became a member of the mosque, Bibi Bahrami and the other congregants learned of McKinney’s plan to bomb them, and they chose to forgive him. McKinney not only built friendships with his would-be victims, but he also converted to Islam and subsequently became president of the mosque.
Bibi Bahrami was born and raised in Behsood, Afghanistan. She came to Muncie Indiana in 1986 as a refugee during the Soviet war in Afghanistan to join her husband, Dr Saber Bahrami, Bibi has been a community activist for over thirty years. After learning English and earning her GED, she went on to receive an Arts degree from Ball State University. In 2002, she founded and became president of her own nonprofit organization, AWAKEN, (Afghan Women’s And Kids’ Education & Necessities), in order to give back to the Afghan women and children she left behind. Through Bibi’s leadership and the support of her community, AWAKEN has made a difference in the education, health care services and vocational opportunities for thousands of Afghan women and families for over a decade. In 2021, after learning that the need for housing and resettlement for incoming refugees was great, Bibi created MARRC as a sub-committee of AWAKEN to help Afghan refugees resettle and thrive in Muncie Delaware county. MARRC has provided six months of urgent support to 115 people and 35 families such as rent, utilities, jobs and many other resources. Bibi is also a member of the Muncie Rotary club, and Interfaith Fellowship and is president of the Islamic Center of Muncie. She is the recipient of the Vivian Conley Award for Humanitarian Service, the Indiana Women of Achievement Award, Ball State’s International Development Award, and the Rotary VIVA Award for Volunteerism. She has dedicated much of her life to the service of others and strives to make a difference in any way she can in the local and international communities.
Asian Voice spoke to Bibi Bahrami about the film and her real-life experiences.
How does it feel to see a real-life story, as sensitive and impactful as this, come alive as a documentary?
I am blessed and humbled to see the documentary “Stranger at the Gate” being liked by many diverse communities. Originally, I never could have imagined my actions of being a kind and non-judgmental character would result in an amazing documentary. Serving others has always been part of my daily life, and I learned this from my parents, from Islam, and I am blessed to have 6 children that are also generous and giving to others. But I am grateful and humbled that my service to others through this documentary is creating a positive impact on people around the world.
Did you ever think it'll make it to the Oscar shortlist?
Originally I did not know all that goes into getting a documentary nominated for an Oscar, but after several screenings, I learned a lot about it. Being a positive person, I always believed in any message which is based on truth, kindness, love, respect, sharing food, and walking in other people’s shoes – to better understand and serve humanity. I have been saying early on that we will make it to the Oscars when I see all the support and kindness that has been given to us.
What is your biggest learning from your experience?
As a strong believer in education and service to others this documentary further cemented my own belief of service above self (the saying of my Rotary Club) will result in a better understanding among all people.) I admire people like Josh Seftel, who are willing to make these kinds of documentaries and films to bring the ills of society to the surface in order to find a solution and better understand humanity.
What does your bravery signify about Afghan refugees, especially women in Afghanistan?
As a child, I was blessed to be born to a family who always cared for others in need in our village. I also lived in a refugee camp in Pakistan for six years. My father and I served refugees in many ways during our time in the refugee camp. I have always stood up for women's and children’s rights even in my own extended family.
In 1986 I came to the United States as a refugee during the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan to marry my dearest Saber, a medical doctor serving others in many ways with compassion, respect and understanding in our community. My bravery, standing for truth and justice, was further strengthened by the support of my wonderful husband. That is why I started my own non-profit organization in 2002 to serve women and children in Afghanistan who have suffered in so many ways for decades.
When I see a situation of need, I always jump to help in any way. Most recently, I heard there were 7000 refugees at Camp Atterbury in Indiana and the dire need to find them homes. I started a subcommittee under my organization to help with this resettlement. Now, over 90% of the population in Afghanistan is at risk of starvation and I will be committing my energy to help continue to make a difference for as many women, children, and families as I can.