In conjunction with the Center’s temporary exhibit, America to Zanzibar: Muslim Cultures Near and Far
LOUISVILLE, Kentucky (July 10, 2018) — In conjunction with the Muhammad Ali Center’s new temporary exhibit, America to Zanzibar: Muslim Cultures Near and Far, the Center will be hosting two community programs that explore various aspects of Islamic culture, history, art, faith and perceptions. The Muslim Film Festival, Saturday, July 14th from 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., will feature four films: On a Wing and a Prayer: An American Muslim Learns to Fly, Allah Made Me Funny: The Movie, Prince Among Slaves, and Islamic Art: Mirror into the Invisible World.
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.
On Sunday, July 22nd at 1:00 p.m., the Center will host a panel discussion with local Islamic leaders about Muhammad Ali’s relevance in the Muslim community. Both events are free and open to the public.
Both events are free and open to the public. The purpose of both events are harmonious with the Ali Center’s mission of promoting respect, hope, and understanding, while also delivering community programs that supplement learning experiences to America to Zanzibar.
America to Zanzibar: Muslim Cultures Near and Far is the largest and longest-running exhibit in the Center’s history. The family-friendly interactive exhibit, which runs through December 30th, explores the diversity of Muslim cultures in our community, country and the world. For more information, to purchase tickets to the exhibit, and to explore more related upcoming programs, visit https://alicenter.org/?exhibition=america-zanzibar-muslim-cultures-near-far
America to Zanzibar was developed by the Children’s Museum of Manhattan.