The Muslims I Know

Synopsis

If you search the words “moderate Muslim” today you will get more than 8 million hits on the internet. This interest is the result of a post-9/11 Western world trying to make sense of Islam and its followers. The need to identify “militant jihadists” by distinguishing them from moderate Muslims has cast suspicion on all Muslims in America. Stereotypes are becoming well-entrenched. The purpose of this documentary is to break those stereotypes by showcasing Pakistani Americans and asking them questions non-Muslim Americans have framed through vox pop interviews. A secondary goal is to educate people about the basic tenets of Islam in order to highlight similarities with the Judeo-Christian tradition.

Approach

Rather than trying to speak for all Muslims, this personal documentary focuses on the Pakistani American community in Rochester, New York. The film does not contend with Muslim stereotypes by advancing religious postulates, instead it uses the more audience-friendly approach of cultural exploration (including norms and values derived from religion). Islamic scholars are interviewed to answer basic questions about Islamic theology and history, but most issues are commented on by regular Pakistani Americans who want to participate in America’s mainstream socio-political discourse. Filmmaker Mara Ahmed acts as the film's narrator, taking the audience on a journey into a little-known, but much talked about American community.

Theme

The underlying idea is to highlight similarities between Islam and other Abrahamic faiths and to celebrate the cultural richness and diversity brought into the American mix by Muslim communities. The film aims to become a dialogue between Americans who might not otherwise interact. It is also a much needed platform for moderate Muslims to express their views about what’s happening in the world. By being both American and Muslim they have a unique insight into the complex inner workings of American foreign policy and the role of the media.

Structure

The documentary is a montage of several visual and thematic elements: • Segments include interviews with Pakistani American Muslims, Islamic scholars and the Imam at the Islamic Center of Rochester about (1) How things have changed since 9/11 (2) Why are Muslims portrayed a certain way by American media? (3) Islam 101 (4) Is Islam a violent religion? (5) Islam and terrorism (6) What’s jihad? (7) Women in Islam (8) What’s next? • Transitions between different segments/topics provide appropriate context for the discussion and some food for thought. Transitions are also used to point out inconsistencies or underline important aspects of the discourse. • Vox pop is used to interview non-Muslim Americans and frame some of the questions that are addressed in the film. • Vignettes are interspersed throughout the documentary to break up various segments, provide some relief from serious dialogue and show the lives of mainstream American Muslims.

Audio and visual style

The Muslims I Know addresses serious issues in an edgy, fast-paced, tightly edited, modern format. Interviews are shot handheld, in different locations. Short sections of interviews are intercut with photographs and footage to bring personal histories to life. Footage shot in Lahore, Pakistan, is presented in saturated color to bring out cultural exuberance. It takes the form of an explosive collage that captures the spirit of the city rather than being a real-life representation. The film has an artistic visual feel. Qawali music is used to tie images together into a dynamic montage. There is abundant use of music throughout the film to produce a vibrant, positive outlook. The end result is a documentary which is thought-provoking and attractive. The gravity of its theme combined with the appeal of its format makes it all the more palatable and effective in its reach.

Screenings

The film opened on June 8, 2008 at the historic Dryden Theatre, George Eastman House, (link 1) in Rochester, New York. Since then it has been screened at numerous venues including college and university campuses.

The Muslims I Know will be released on DVD in February 2009.

Rochester High Falls International Film Festival 2009 The Muslims I Know has been officially selected for screening at the Rochester High Falls International Film Festival in May 2009.

In tandem with the High Falls Film Festival, the documentary is also slated for broadcasting on WXXI, Rochester’s Public Broadcasting System affiliate.

The Muslims I Know was reviewed in "Filmmakers' lenses don't even blink" by Jack Garner, Democrat and Chronicle; "FILM: The Muslims I Know" by Dayna Papaleo, City Newspaper; "The Muslims I Know" by Andy Rees, Reporter Magazine, “Muslims' film dispels stereotypes” by Nancy O'Donnell, Democrat and Chronicle; and "Fighting for religion through documentary" 10a by Brian Peter, The Spectrum, University at Buffalo.

Director/Producer Mara Ahmed was interviewed on 1370 Connection on WXXI, Rochester's Public Broadcasting System, by Bob Smith; on Rochester Indymedia by Dawn Zuppelli; and on Wham13’s Many Voices, Many Visions by Charlotte Clark.