It is so refreshing to see Muslims on screen and on stage. It is more refreshing to see Muslims' stories on screen and on stage.
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New Rumi movie?
Ali Eteraz is teasing about a new Rumi bio-pic, run with Qatar Foundation and Rumi Foundation. Looks really good, but some questions: Will it seriously deal with the fact that Shams-i Tabriz was most likely an Ismaili? I can’t imagine the Qataris would be too happy with that. Why do we need a non-Muslim playing the part of Rumi? Are there not enough good Muslim actors? I think the Iranians might object. Even Mel Gibson went with a no name for Jesus to make it seem more real, and that movie seems to have done OK.
America to Zanzibar Opening
I am proud to announce the opening of the exhibit America to Zanzibar: Muslim Cultures Near and Far at the Children’s Museum of Manhattan. I served as the lead academic advisor the exhibit, and it is stunning. Below is a link to my Flickr album of the space, which I will continue update as the exhibit goes on for the year.
The My Name is (Not) Khan Saga Continues
I recently published a criticism of the film “My Name is Khan,” and of MPAC for honoring the film. I was negligent in providing MPAC’s response. In the interests of being complete, attached are three documents. The original letter criticizing MPAC; MPAC’s response; and the response to MPAC. To be clear, I have not seen the movie, so cannot comment intelligently on this debate. However, it is important for me to show the diversity of thought in the Muslim-American community and the fact that we do have debates. I applaud both groups for having the courage to discuss this publicly…