Join us for FREE screenings of multiple films that highlight and celebrate Islamic Culture. Saturday, July 14th from 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. at the Ali Center!
Held in conjunction with our temporary exhibit, America to Zanzibar: Muslim Cultures Near and Far.
Festival Films
On A Wing And A Prayer: An American Muslim Learns To Fly
This gently funny film follows Monem Salam as he enrolls in an open-minded flying school. Monem is the son of a Pakistani commercial pilot. His wife Iman's family is Palestinian and although initially dubious about the marriage, now accepts the cultural differences. These modern-day Americans cast off stereotypes and refuse to succumb to victimhood.
Allah Made Me Funny: The Movie
Allah Made Me Funny features live stand-up performances by Azhar Usman, Preacher Moss and Mohammed Amer as well as behind the scenes sequences highlighting the individual comedians. The trio poke fun at Muslims and non-Muslims alike and their comedic material plays with stereotypes to invite people to think outside of their fixed cultural perceptions.
Prince Among Slaves
Prince Among Slaves recounts the true story of an African Muslim prince who was captured and sold into slavery in the American South. After 40 years of enslavement, he finally regained his freedom, became a national celebrity, and dined in the White House. This is an incredible story about an incredible man who endured the humiliation of slavery without ever losing his dignity or his hope for freedom.
Islamic Art: Mirror Into The Invisible World
In our post-9/11 world, a greater understanding across cultures is more important than ever before, yet the purpose of this program is not simply to provide political or historical context. Rather it is to explore and celebrate the great richness of Islamic art and architecture throughout the world to peer into extraordinary palaces and mosques, decorated with exquisite gardens, ceramics and paintings, to watch the play of light and space, and to sense the sheen of delicate textiles, of gold and silver work, and of rock crystal and precious gems.