Films about Muslims explore the diverse experiences, cultures, and perspectives of individuals who identify as followers of Islam. These films provide a platform to showcase the rich tapestry of Muslim life, challenging stereotypes and fostering understanding. Here are some existing films that focus on the lives of Muslims:
“The Reluctant Fundamentalist”, 2012
Director: Mira Nair
Directed by Mira Nair, this film follows the journey of a Pakistani man who finds success on Wall Street but faces identity struggles in a post-9/11 world.
Starring: Riz Ahmed, Kate Hudson, Liev Schreiber, Kiefer Sutherland, Om Puri, Shabana Azmi, Martin Donovan, Nelsan Ellis, Haluk Bilginer, Meesha Shafi, Imaaduddin Shah, Christopher Nicholas Smith, Ashwath Bhatt, Sarah Quinn, Madhavan, Adil Hussain, Ali Sethi, Deepti Datt, Gary Richardson, Sonya Jehan, Golam Sarwar Harun, Rohan Gupta, Claire Roberts Lamont, Victor Slezak, Ismail Bashey, Mahmood Mamdani, Taylor St. Clair, Roy McCrerey, Clayton Landey, James Sutton, Jamie Moore, Vince Canlas, Yinka Adeboyeku, Amuche Chukudebelu, Cody W. Parker, Kuldeep Lulla, Daksh Vashisht, Charu Shankar, Javed Basu Kesselman, Chrysler Ian Badiang, Alexis Gardner, Bradford Haynes, Kartikeya, tanzeel Kayani, Josiah Lyricq, Byron Carvil Cecil Napier, Narciso Narciso, Mark Oliver, Jimmy R. Perdue Jr., Chandrachur Singh;
Production year: 2012;
Genre: thriller, drama;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 130 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,8;
More information about the film “The Reluctant Fundamentalist” on the website imdb.com
“Wadjda”, 2012
Director: Haifaa Al-Mansour
Directed by Haifaa Al-Mansour, this Saudi Arabian film tells the story of a young girl who dreams of owning a bicycle, defying societal expectations and cultural constraints.
Starring: Waad Mohammed, Reem Abdullah, Abdullrahman Al Gohani, Ahd Kamel, Sultan Al Assaf, Alanoud Sajini, Rafa Al Sanea, Dana Abdullilah, Rehab Ahmed, Nouf Saad, Ibrahim Almozael, Mohammed Zahir, Sara Al Jaber, Noura Faisal, Talal Loay, Fawziah Alyaaqop, Dima Sajini, Maram Alkhozaim, Mariam Alkhozaim, Rawan Abdulsalam, Tahani Yusef, Saud Alojayan, Ali Algorbani, Saud Alotaibi, Mohammed Albahry, Sami Hazim, Mariam Alghamdi, Mohammed Alkhozaim, Ahmad Noman, Vincent Wager;
Production year: 2012;
Genre: drama, comedy;
MPAA rating: pg;
Duration: 98 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,5;
More information about the film “Wadjda” on the website imdb.com
“Arranged”, 2007
Director: Diane Crespo, Stefan C. Schaefer
This film, directed by Diane Crespo and Stefan C. Schaefer, explores the friendship between an Orthodox Jewish woman and a Muslim woman as they navigate arranged marriages in their respective communities.
Starring: Zoe Lister-Jones, Francis Benhamou, Mimi Lieber, John Rothman, Sarah Lord, Trevor Braun, Doris Belack, Laith Nakli, Jason Liebman, Marcia Jean Kurtz, Peggy Gormley, David Castro, Sanjit De Silva, Daniel London, Max Shulman, Emma Lesser, Roger Shamas, Arian Moayed, Gina Shmukler, Alysia Reiner, Alison Becker, Laura Esterman, Joseph Emmi, Ricky Smith, Jake Robards, Lissette Espaillat, Sondra James, Gary Smith, Bridget Moloney, Yucini Diaz, Remy K. Selma, Mercedes Herrero, Amalya Tolchin, Peter Appel, Gary Shteyngart, Larry Mills, Tzvi Frankel, Nicole Shalhoub, Alia Tarraf, Crystal McCreary, Gary V. Smith, James Arden;
Production year: 2007;
Genre: drama, melodrama, comedy;
Duration: 90 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,3;
More information about the film “Arranged” on the website imdb.com
“Ramy”, 2019
Director: Ramy Youssef, Cherien Dabis, Christopher Storer, Harry Bradbeer
This critically acclaimed TV series, created by Ramy Youssef, follows the life of a first-generation Egyptian-American Muslim navigating love, career, and spirituality in modern-day America.
Starring: Ramy Youssef, Amr Waked, Mohammed Amer, Dave Merheje, Hiam Abbass, Laith Nakli, May Calamawy, Steve Way, Shadi Alfons, MaameYaa Boafo, Mahershala Ali, Adel Kamal, Rana Roy, Peter Macdissi, Julian Sergi, Molly Gordon, Rosaline Elbay, Michael Chernus, Jared Abrahamson, Sarita Choudhury, Mika, Danish Maqbool, Bella Hadid, Smadi Wolfman, Caroline Basu, Poorna Jagannathan, Salwa Mohammad Ali, Jade Eshete, Sayed Abbasiri, Sarah Himadeh, Boutros Ghali, Khaled Mansour, Joel Rooks, Ismail Sharaf, Iman Hamed Younis, Inji El-Gammal, Reda Idriss, Eddie Pepitone, Eric Berryman, Jade Elysan, Ahmed Salah Wahba, George B. Colucci Jr., Ahmed Abdel Khalek, Michael Elian, Salah Anwar, Ahmed Tarek, Kamron Ali Toosi, May Reta, Yehia Abdel Aziz;
Production year: 2019;
Genre: drama, melodrama, comedy;
Age: 18+;
Rating: IMDB: 8;
More information about the film “Ramy” on the website imdb.com
“The Breadwinner”, 2017
Director: Nora Twomey
Directed by Nora Twomey, this animated film is based on the novel by Deborah Ellis. It tells the story of a young Afghan girl who disguises herself as a boy to provide for her family under Taliban rule.
Starring: Saara Chaudry, Soma Chhaya, Noorin Gulamgaus, Laara Sadiq, Ali Rizvi, Shaista Latif, Kanza Feris, Kawa Ada, Kane Mahon, Ali Kazmi, Mran Volkhard, Ezra Sholeh, Lily Erlinghauser, Wamiq Furoghudin, Millad Hamidkohzad, Salaman Hamidkohzad, Abu Hashim Dostyar, Sapeda Hashim Dostyar, Ali Hassan, Finn Jackson Parle, Enayat Mazaryar, Patrick McGrath;
Production year: 2017;
Genre: animation, drama, family, war;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 94 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,7;
More information about the film “The Breadwinner” on the website imdb.com
“A Separation”, 2019
Director: Yalan Hu
Directed by Asghar Farhadi, this Iranian drama explores the complexities of a marriage on the brink of divorce, delving into themes of religion, social class, and justice.
Starring: Michelle Sun, Yao Zhen, Carlee Soeder;
Production year: 2019;
Genre: short film, drama;
Duration: 15 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 9,2;
More information about the film “A Separation” on the website imdb.com
“The Salesman”, 2016
Director: Shane Wallick
Also directed by Asghar Farhadi, this Iranian film follows a couple who are actors rehearsing for a production of Arthur Miller's “Death of a Salesman” while dealing with personal and societal challenges.
Starring: Christopher Dean, Tom Pace, Cherelle-Renée Childs, Laura Guyton, Andrea Polk, Kate Wallick, David Bruzek, Jason Klobassa, Shane Wallick, Tommy Andersen, Raven R. Miller, Sean Hagens, Doug Scribner;
Production year: 2016;
Genre: short film, comedy;
Duration: 8 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 8;
More information about the film “The Salesman” on the website imdb.com
“A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night”, 2014
Director: Ana Lily Amirpour
Directed by Ana Lily Amirpour, this Iranian vampire film combines elements of horror, romance, and Western genres, following the nocturnal activities of a young vampire in a fictional Iranian town.
Starring: Sheila Vand, Arash Marandi, Marshall Manesh, Mozhan Marnò, Dominic Rains, Rome Shadanloo, Milad Eghbali, Reza Sixo Safai, Ray Haratian, Ana Lily Amirpour, Pej Vahdat, Masuka The Cat, Maruti Garikiparthi, Caitlin Reza;
Production year: 2014;
Genre: horror, drama, melodrama;
Duration: 101 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,9;
More information about the film “A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night” on the website imdb.com
These films offer a glimpse into the diverse stories and experiences within Muslim communities, showcasing the universal themes of love, family, and identity that resonate with audiences around the world.
In this selection of films about Muslims, a diverse and rich tapestry of stories and experiences has been portrayed on the screen. From thought-provoking dramas to lighthearted comedies, these films have shed light on the multifaceted lives of Muslims around the world, breaking stereotypes and offering audiences a deeper understanding of their cultures, traditions, and struggles. Through powerful storytelling and compelling performances, these films have not only entertained but also sparked important conversations, contributing to a more inclusive and empathetic cinematic landscape. As the industry continues to embrace diverse narratives, these films serve as a testament to the power of cinema in bridging cultural divides and fostering greater empathy and understanding.
