Project Updates

Sally’s Iron Mustangs

We are thrilled to share that the sound mixing for Sally’s Iron Mustangs is officially complete! This process was both challenging and rewarding, as we meticulously adjusted every detail of the film’s audio in a shot-by-shot process—refining dialogue, balancing ambience, layering sound effects, and aligning music with emotion, composed by the amazing Sam Kelly, a York PA local. In one scene, for example, we spent hours using Adobe’s new AI technology to reconstruct the dialogue audio from the background noise in a very crowded scene. It was a painstaking endeavor where a few minutes of the film would take days to sound design, but the result has brought the film to life in ways we couldn’t have imagined, especially when paired with movie theaters’ Dolby Digital sound; this was on full display on November 24th at Penn Cinema, where seeing the film on the big screen surprised us with the level of engagement a theater provides. As a small team at Reel Nation Media, the sound design was authored by director Abdullah Abu-Mahfouz and a dedicated assistant. Their persistence is what enables Sally’s story to resonate so powerfully. 

Screening of Sally’s Iron Mustangs at Penn Cinema, November 24, 2024.

In addition, November’s screenings were a triumph! The Bright Side Opportunities Center (BSOC), where much of the film was originally shot, hosted a Dinner & a Movie event as part of an Extra Give campaign. This event raised over $29,000, directly supporting the Center’s mission of providing education, wellness, and community services to underserved populations in Lancaster. Showing the film at BSOC felt like a full-circle moment—honoring the space where Sally’s journey began and empowering the very community her story represents. The event brought together local leaders, families, and supporters for an evening of connection and inspiration, proving the transformative power of cinema in fostering community-driven change.

We’re inspired by the potential of Sally’s Iron Mustangs to be a tool for other organizations across the nation to fundraise and engage their communities. Through the Sally’s Across America initiative launching in 2025, we aim to share this model with over 100 organizations, bringing Sally’s health and fitness transformation to senior women nationwide.

Attendees of Sally’s Iron Mustangs screening at Bright Side Opportunities Center.

Olive Trees and Concrete

Olive Trees and Concrete is Reel Nation Media’s newest documentary project, exploring the intersection of identity, resilience, and home through the lens of a Palestinian family. The film follows Ahmad, a courageous photojournalist living in Gaza, as he documents the harsh realities of life under siege. Interwoven with Ahmad’s story is the advocacy of the Palestinian diaspora in the U.S., who work tirelessly to preserve their heritage and support loved ones from afar. This project is deeply personal for Reel Nation founder Abdullah Abu-Mahfouz, who seeks to amplify voices from Gaza and foster empathy across cultural divides through this narrative.

Winter in Gaza is particularly difficult. Freezing temperatures combined with limited access to heating, electricity, and clean water create life-threatening conditions for families like Ahmad’s. Basic supplies such as warm clothing, blankets, and fuel become scarce, intensifying the daily struggles of survival in an already challenging environment.

This month, we invite our patrons to consider supporting Ahmad and his family during this difficult season. Your donations can make a meaningful difference. By contributing, you’ll provide essential support to Ahmad and his family, helping them purchase critical supplies and maintain basic needs during this harsh season. Additionally, funds will help Ahmad continue his vital work documenting life in Gaza, ensuring these stories are told to the world. Any donations should be made to Reel Nation Media’s Venmo using the handle @ReelNationMedia.

Photo taken by Ahmad, a photojournalist from Gaza.

Join Our Journey!

• Official Trailer for Sally’s Iron Mustangs: Launching December 2024.
  • • • The long-awaited trailer for Sally’s Iron Mustangs will premiere, giving general audiences a first glimpse of Sally’s inspiring story and setting the stage for its nationwide screenings in 2025.
• Sally’s Across America: A nationwide campaign bringing the film to over 100 community centers and organizations in 2025.
  • • • This initiative will bring Sally’s Iron Mustangs to over 100 community centers, senior centers, and wellness organizations nationwide. These events will empower local organizations to fundraise, connect communities, and inspire women 55+ to prioritize health, resilience, and personal well-being.
• Educational Screening at Millersville University: March 2025.
  • • • This special event will introduce Sally’s Iron Mustangs to academic audiences, fostering discussions on health, empowerment, and aging. It’s an opportunity to engage students, educators, and local community members in conversations inspired by Sally’s journey.

Community Highlights

This December, we shine a spotlight on Bright Side Opportunities Center (BSOC), a vital partner in bringing transformative stories like Sally’s Iron Mustangs to life. Located in the heart of Lancaster, BSOC is a thriving hub devoted to promoting health, wellness, and community growth. By providing spaces and support for various fitness programs, youth initiatives, and community events, BSOC empowers individuals from all walks of life to achieve their potential. Their partnership has been instrumental in showcasing the inspiring journey of Sally and her Iron Mustangs, emphasizing the power of strength and resilience at any age. Reel Nation Media is proud to collaborate with BSOC as they continue to enrich Lancaster through compassion and community-focused action.

Funding for Sally’s Iron Mustangs

As we prepare to introduce Sally’s Iron Mustangs to communities nationwide, we are looking for assistance in order to meet our fundraising target of $60,000. With the help of this funding, crucial expenses for marketing, outreach, and administrative assistance will be partially covered, allowing local organizations to use the movie to strengthen ties within the community and promote social concerns. Potential sponsors can visit our sponsorship packet for support opportunities: https://reelnationmedia.com/sponsorship-partnership-deck-july-2024/ 

How You can Contribute

Meet for Coffee: Get to know us and join us for brainstorming sessions.
Pre-purchase a Digital Copy: Purchase Here
Attend Fundraising Events: Stay tuned for upcoming event announcements.

Social Media

You can also support us by following our social media channels:
Facebook: Reel Nation Media
Instagram: Reel Nation Media
LinkedIn: Reel Nation Media

Screening of Sally’s Iron Mustangs at Bright Side Opportunities Center.

Thank you for your support!

This month, we celebrate the fruit of our labor — the stories we’ve created as a team and the lives we’ve touched through our work. Each milestone is a testament to the power of storytelling to unite, inspire, and transform communities.

Thank you for being an integral part of the Reel Nation Media journey. Your support enables us to bring these life-changing stories to life and extend their impact far and wide.

With gratitude,
Abdullah Abu-Mahfouz & The Reel Nation Media Team