Philly Leader

Conservative Republican gubernatorial candidate Doug Mastriano is the focal point of a new film that highlights when Pennsylvanians pushed back against pandemic restrictions led by Gov. Tom Wolf. While the film has received backlash through protests and viewing cancellations, Mastriano has stood his ground.

According to triblive.com, the movie is titled “The Return of the American Patriot: The Rise of Pennsylvania,” and was produced by Stephen Turley. The screening was originally scheduled to run at Penn Cinema, but due to backlash was rescheduled for July 16 at the Christ Community Church in Lower Allen Township of Cumberland County. While there were lines of both supporters and protesters alike, according to Local News 21, Mastriano said the viewing was a success.

“The America First – and Pennsylvania First – movement can’t be silenced by intimidation tactics," Mastriano said. "Voters across the Commonwealth are hungry for truth and hard facts after years of dishonesty from the Democrats. The truth is the most powerful weapon in our ongoing fight for freedom and prosperity in Pennsylvania – and it was great to see so many patriots attend the documentary premiere over the weekend.”

He added, “Despite the radical left’s best attempts to derail the event, the premiere was a huge success. Our movement is truly unstoppable – and I am honored to be a part of it.”

The film was originally supposed to be screened at a theater called Penn Cinema in Lancaster County until the owners backed out following protests from Stand Up Lancaster. Wyndham Lancaster Resort and Convention Center in East Lampeter Township also canceled. Lancaster Online described the film as “propaganda” in an editorial piece, criticizing it for “normalizing nationalism." "PA is coming back and so is America,” is at the end of the trailer for the movie. Also included are images of Revolutionary War soldiers, Trump flags, masked children and the Liberty Bell. 

Protesters and critics of Mastriano have been concerned about Mastriano’s involvement with the January 6 insurrection. He has admitted to participating in the march to the U.S. Capitol following former President Donald Trump’s speech but denied entering the Capitol building or doing anything illegal, according to Triblive.com.

Mastriano’s rise to the Republican nomination came unexpected to many, as he defeated eight challengers in the GOP primary- many of whom raised significantly more campaign dollars on the way and were backed by legislators. The retired U.S. Army Colonel currently serves as the state Senator in the Pennsylvania 33rd District. He holds four master’s degrees in Strategy, Strategic Intelligence, Military Operations and Airpower. He also has a Ph.D. in History. Mastriano has been featured on various national radio programs and has been on Tucker Carlson, C-Span and Fox Business with Stuart Varney. He has published various articles on strategy and historical topics, along with several books, according to his website.

“This film documents a citizen-led movement to reclaim our freedoms in the face of tyrannical government overreach,” Mastriano said. “The men and women profiled in this film represent the best of America's independent spirit and tradition of self-reliance. When they saw our freedoms being taken away, they didn't just complain in private; they took initiative and did something about it.”