Muslim Americans Make Waves in Entertainment Industry
By Sue Obeidi
Director, Hollywood Bureau
Muslim Public Affairs Council
Ramadan Mubarak to you and yours. May this Ramadan be the best one yet.
From screenwriters, to directors, to executives, American Muslims are making waves in the entertainment industry, and we are so excited to see our stories and voices being welcomed and celebrated.
This Ramadan, we are proud to highlight the creativity of Muslim talent around the country, and because of you we are the leading Muslim organization in Hollywood working with our allies and community for better representation for Muslims in film, television, and podcasts.
In fact, this Saturday, our short documentary, The Healer , will make its world premiere at the Oscar-qualifying American Documentary Film Festival in Palm Springs, California!
Set during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, The Healer tells the story of Dr Ebtesam Islam , a brave and remarkable Muslim doctor building bridges in the heart of the evangelical community of Lubbock, Texas.
But that’s not all. Here’s a look at some of the other work we’ve done just in the past few months:
- Guide to Ramadan for the Entertainment Industry - In an effort to spread knowledge about this important month, we joined the UK Muslim Film and Film and TV Charity in launching a guide to Ramadan for the entertainment industry. View the guide here .
- Quiet Part Loud - The Hollywood Bureau consulted on Jordan Peele’s Monkeypaw Productions on their podcast “Quiet Part Loud.” The series addresses anti-Muslim hate and Islamophobia in this age of disinformation. You can listen here .
- Stranger at the Gate - President of MPAC, Salam Al-Marayati and I are consulting producers of the Oscar-nominated short film that tells the story of an Afghan refugee family who came face-to-face with a US Marine with secret plans to bomb their community center. You can watch now .
- SXSW - In partnership with the Islamic Scholarship Fund , we presented the Inaugural Muslim House at the SXSW Festival. Featured programs included discussions with producers, creatives, and executives, and a watch party showcasing films from American Muslim filmmakers.
These stories and achievements are a testament that the future of Muslims in Hollywood is bright. It is also a testament to the strength, resilience, and ingenuity of the American Muslim community.
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