Here is a list of films about Islam with a brief description of each:
“Malcolm X”, 1992
Director: Spike Lee
Directed by Spike Lee, this biographical film stars Denzel Washington as Malcolm X, an influential African American leader and activist whose conversion to Islam and pilgrimage to Mecca were pivotal moments in his life.
Starring: Denzel Washington, Angela Bassett, Albert Hall, Al Freeman Jr., Delroy Lindo, Spike Lee, Theresa Randle, Kate Vernon, Lonette McKee, Tommy Hollis;
Production year: 1992;
Genre: drama, biography, history;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 202 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,7;
“Persepolis”, 2007
Director: Vincent Paronnaud, Marjane Satrapi
This animated film, based on Marjane Satrapi's autobiographical graphic novel, tells the story of a young girl growing up during the Islamic Revolution in Iran, offering personal insights into life under a changing regime.
Starring: Chiara Mastroianni, Catherine Deneuve, Danielle Darrieux, Simon Abkarian, Gabrielle Lopes Benites, François Jerosme, Sophie Arthuys, Jean-François Gallotte, Arié Elmaleh, Mathias Mlekuz;
Production year: 2007;
Genre: animation, drama, war, biography, history;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 95 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 8;
More information about the film “Persepolis” on the website imdb.com
“A Separation”, 2019
Director: Yalan Hu
Directed by Asghar Farhadi, this Iranian drama focuses on an Iranian middle-class couple who separate, and the complications that ensue when the husband hires a caregiver for his elderly father, bringing issues of morality, religious observance, and social justice to the forefront.
Starring: Michelle Sun, Yao Zhen, Carlee Soeder;
Production year: 2019;
Genre: short film, drama;
Duration: 15 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 8,9;
More information about the film “A Separation” on the website imdb.com
“Timbuktu”, 2014
Director: Abderrahmane Sissako
Directed by Abderrahmane Sissako, this film is set in the ancient city of Timbuktu during the occupation by Islamic militants. It examines the impact of fundamentalist interpretation of Sharia law on the local population.
Starring: Ibrahim Ahmed, Abel Jafri, Toulou Kiki, Layla Walet Mohamed, Mehdi A.G. Mohamed, Hichem Yacoubi, Kettly Noël, Fatoumata Diawara, Adel Mahmoud Cherif, Salem Dendou;
Production year: 2014;
Genre: drama, war;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 100 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,1;
More information about the film “Timbuktu” on the website imdb.com
“Bilal: A New Breed of Hero”, 2018
Director: Khurram H. Alavi, Ayman Jamal
This animated feature is inspired by the life of Bilal ibn Rabah, a companion of the Prophet Muhammad, who was born into slavery and became one of the most trusted companions of the Prophet and the first muezzin in Islam.
Starring: Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje, Ian McShane, China Anne McClain, Thomas Ian Nicholas, Michael Gross, Cynthia Kaye McWilliams, Jacob Latimore, Fred Tatasciore, Jon Curry, Mick Wingert;
Production year: 2018;
Genre: animation, fantasy, action, adventure;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 105 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,6;
Please note that many of these films may delve into sensitive and complex topics and can be variously interpreted by different audiences based on their own perspectives and experiences with Islam.
In conclusion, films about Islam present a rich tapestry of narratives that navigate the complexities of faith, culture, and societal challenges. From the intimate stories of individual faith and struggle, to the grand epics of historical Islamic figures and events, these films offer a profound opportunity for both Muslim and non-Muslim audiences to explore and understand the diverse perspectives within the Islamic world. They serve not only as a bridge fostering intercultural dialogue but also as a mirror reflecting the multifaceted nature of human experience through the lens of Islamic traditions and values. As the cinematic landscape continues to evolve, the representation and exploration of Islam in film promises to contribute significantly to global cultural conversations, encouraging empathy, understanding, and a shared appreciation for the common threads of humanity.
