List
Muslim Stories and Voices in Movies
From action to romance, explore a wide range of stories of the Muslim experience in films made by or starring Muslim actors and creators.
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Under the Fig Trees
2024Get this itemTaking place over the course of one day, Tunisian French director Erige Sehiri considers the lives and ideas of a group of individuals hired to pick figs, especially the women. This is a gem, and the more I ruminate on it, the more I appreciate Sehiri's artistry. Suggested by Sharon.
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Yuni
2024Get this itemOne of the best students in her high school, Yuni has a rare chance to earn a college scholarship, something that is only available if she is unmarried. As Yuni feels increasing pressure from the community to wed and conform, she also dearly wants to pursue her education and must make some difficult decisions about her future. This sensitive coming-of-age story from Indonesia received a lot of critical acclaim in the film festival circuit, and much to my excitement, it got released on DVD this past year. Suggested by Sharon.
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Inshallah a Boy
2024Get this itemInspired by his own relative's story, director Amjad Al Rasheed has crafted a social-realist drama that feels like a thriller in which a young widow will go to extreme lengths in order to protect herself and her daughter from Jordan's patriarchal inheritance laws. With a stirring and award-winning performance by Mouna Hawa, this film was Jordan's submission for Oscar's Best International Feature Film Award in 2023. Suggested by Rummanah.
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The Marvels
2024Get this itemKamala Khan, the first Pakistani Muslim superhero, makes her feature debut in this female lead ensemble as she joins Carol Danvers (AKA Captain Marvel) and Monica Rambeau to take down Dar-Benn, Kree’s new leader who’s determined to rebuild her own depleted home planet by draining other worlds. Kamala's family and culture are lovingly presented in the film. Though widely criticized for some directorial choices, we totally support filmmaker Nia DaCosta’s unique vision. Suggested by Rummanah and Sharon.
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Lamya's Poem
2023Get this itemFleeing violence and war in her hometown of Aleppo, a young Syrian girl carries with her a cherished book of poetry by the celebrated 13th century poet, Rumi. The book becomes a magical gateway where she meets the young Rumi when he was a refugee, escaping the terrible wars of his time. In a shared dream world populated by monsters and other threats that represent the perils they face on their respective journeys, she must help him write the poem that 800 years later will save her life. Inspired by the beautiful poetry of Jalal al-Din Muḥammad Rumi, this is a compassionate, heartfelt, and hopeful animated film that reminds us that only love can outshine hate. Suggested by Rummanah and Sharon.
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Cairo Conspiracy
2023Get this itemSet in the prestigious Al-Azhar University in Cairo, Egypt, writer/director Tarik Saleh successfully braids elements of a coming-of-age story and espionage into a compulsive and thought provoking political thriller. Winner at the 2022 Cannes Film Festival for Best Screenplay, the drama centers on Adam, the son of a fisherman, who is offered the privilege to study at the university. But Adam’s dreams of pursuing his education are interrupted when he becomes a pawn in the conflict between Egypt's religious and political elites as they find a replacement for the Grand Imam. Suggested by Rummanah and Sharon.
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The Blue Caftan
2023Get this itemMaryam Touzani directs a powerful, philosophical, and tender movie from Morocco that explores the many types of love with quiet yet commanding performances from the cast. Focusing on a woman and her closeted gay husband, who run a caftan shop that provides exquisitely handcrafted garments, when they take on a young man as an apprentice, a complex relationship develops among the husband, wife, and newcomer. The film was nominated for several awards, including three awards at the Cannes Film Festival. Suggested by Chris, Rummanah and Sharon.
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The Persian Version
2023Get this itemIn this comedy drama, an Iranian American woman, who’s often at odds with her mother, learns a family secret that leads her down a path of discovery and reevaluation of the relationship she has with her strong-willed mother. Winner of the Audience Award at the Sundance Film Festival, filmmaker Maryam Keshavarz drew inspiration from her own life and that of her mother. Suggested by Sharon.
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Polite Society
2023Get this itemNida Manzoor's feature debut is a loving and keen tribute to sisterhood all the while successfully merging elements of a variety film genres and subverting the common stereotypes found in films that feature South Asian characters. Suggested by Rummanah and Sharon.
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Fremont
2023Get this itemA recent winner of the Indie Spirit Awards, this wry, tender, and melancholic film tells us a different type of immigrant story. With fabulous performances by newcomer Anaita Wali Zada and beautifully shot in black and white. This is a gem waiting to be discovered. Suggested by Rummanah.
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What's Love Got to Do with It?
2023Get this itemExploring relationships, dating, marriage, and love. Zoe, a white British documentary filmmaker who relies on dating apps is surprised when her best friend British-Pakistani Kaz tells her that he’s decided to select a bride via his parents and an arranged marriage. She sees this as a great documentary subject. It’s fun and breezy, plus a terrific cast. Suggested by Sharon.
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Eid Mubarak
2024Get this itemFor her directorial debut, Mahnoor Euceph draws from real life. This bittersweet short film follows Iman, a young, privileged Pakistani girl, who tries to save her pet goat named Barfi from being slaughtered. Along the way, through the help of her family and friends, she learns the true meaning of sacrifice, and the reason behind Eid al-Adha. Suggested by Rummanah.
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Casablanca Beats
2022Get this itemUsing the framework of a story about an inspiring teacher and his students, filmmaker Nabil Ayouch gives his viewers an initial look at Casablanca, Morocco in which identity, religion, and politics clash. Through the power and music of hip hop, students are able to express themselves. All of the characters play fictional versions of themselves in the movie. Suggested by Rummanah and Sharon.
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Mogul Mowgli
2022Get this itemRiz Ahmed makes his screenwriter debut and stars in this atmospheric and intimate drama about British Pakistani rapper Zed, who is diagnosed with an illness right before he is scheduled to go on his first world tour. The illness forces Zed to confront his discomfort and his struggle to figure out his heritage and his identity. The rap monologues show Ahmed as his most vulnerable. The BAFTA nominated film is directed by Pakistani American Bassam Tariq. Suggested by Rummanah.
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You Will Die at Twenty
2021Get this itemThe title of this rare Sudanese film refers to a prediction its protagonist, Muzamil, has had since he was a child. But as Muzamil grows up and awaits his potential fate, he begins to doubt his fate and challenge authority. Beautifully composed and acted, this was also Sudan's first submission to the Academy Awards in 2019. Suggested by Chris.
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The Perfect Candidate
2021Get this itemSaudi director/writer Haifaa al-Mansour delivers a thoughtful, empowering, and unapologetically feminist film. The story focuses on Dr. Maryam, who finds herself running in a local election in order to improve her community. Her candidacy shakes up the community as she pushes for acceptance, respect, and her voice to be heard. Suggested by Rummanah and Sharon.
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Peace by Chocolate
2021Get this itemBased on a true story. The Hadhad family, refugees from the Syrian civil war, are offered sponsorship in Antigonish, Nova Scotia. They find a way to pursue their dreams, give back to their new community, and inspire other refugees. Suggested by Sharon.
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Breaking Fast
2021Get this itemNominated in 2022 for the GLAAD award for Outstanding Film in Limited Release. Mike Mosallam directs a heartwarming romantic comedy set during Ramadan in which Mo, a practicing Muslim living in West Hollywood, is learning to navigate life post-heartbreak until he unexpectedly meets Kal. The movie's portrayal of a cross-cultural relationship and its exploration of the intersectionality between identity, culture, and faith is refreshing, heartfelt, and introspective. Suggested by Rummanah and Sharon.
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The Mauritanian
2021Get this itemAn intense legal drama based on Mohamedou Ould Slahi's memoir Guantanamo Diary. This is the true story of Slahi's detainment in the notorious detention camp for 14 years without being charged with a crime. The acting is excellent, especially that of Tahar Rahim, who steals the show. Slahi has a new documentary called "Guantanamo Diary Revisited" in which he expressed his desire to meet up with his captors and interrogators again for tea. Suggested by Rummanah and Sharon.
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Blinded by the Light
2019Get this itemAdapted from the nonfiction book by journalist Sarfraz Manzoor. Set in 1987 Great Britain, we meet Javed, a British Pakistani Muslim, who discovers Bruce Springsteen's music and finds that he strongly identifies with the songs. With help from “the Boss,” Javed learns to cope with problems and frustrations, relationships, economic hardship, and bigotry, as well as gain confidence to break with tradition, to pursue his dreams, and develop his own voice. Even if you know little or nothing about Springsteen, the movie does a wonderful job illustrating the lyrics and connecting them to Javed. Suggested by Rummanah and Sharon.
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Salam
2019Get this itemSalam, a Lyft driver awaiting life or death news about a family member in Syria, picks up Audrey, a woman also in distress. Their conversation goes deeper than expected, and certainly more poignant upon reflection. Suggested by Sharon.
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Signature Move
2018Get this itemZaynab is a closeted thirty something Pakistani Muslim lesbian lawyer taking care of her recently widowed, soap opera obsessed mother and hiding her sexuality. While her mother wants to find a husband for her single daughter, Zaynab starts to fall for Alma, an openly gay, vivacious Mexican bookseller. You'll love the strong mother-daughter dynamic, plus the rom/com vibe. Suggested by Sharon.
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Fatima
2019Get this itemWinner of three Cesar awards, this film delves into themes of motherhood, assimilation, immigration, and prejudice through the eyes of a working single mother who feels estranged by her two daughters. The screenplay and performances are excellent in depicting realistic success and failures. Suggested by Rummanah.
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Jodái-e Náder az Simin: A Separation
2012Get this itemFrom filmmaker Asghar Farhadi, this is the first movie from Iran to win the Oscar for Best International Film, followed by his movie The Salesman, which won in 2017. This riveting story focuses on a married couple who separate and the ensuing fallout that affects their family and that of a hired caregiver. Farhadi excels at crafting layered domestic dramas that examine the human condition, social class divisions, moral dilemmas, and ethical issues. Suggested by Rummanah and Sharon.
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Mooz-lum
2011Get this itemTariq Mahdi struggles with his identity and faith. Writer/director Qasim Basir used his own experiences growing up Muslim as a broad basis for the movie. The story, set in the wake of 9/Il, is nothing less than memorable, moving, and authentic. Suggested by Rummanah and Sharon.
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Offside
2007Get this itemSee what happens when a group of girls want to watch the 2006 World Cup qualifying, but Iranian law bans them from entering the stadium. Filmmaker Jafar Panahi was inspired by his own daughter, who decided to do just that. The result is an insightful, relatable crowd-pleasing dramedy. Suggested by Rummanah and Sharon.
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Le grand voyage
2005Get this itemThis unusual road trip movie spotlights the tenuous relationship between a Moroccan religious father and his irreligious French-born son named Reda. Reda is summoned to take his father via car to Mecca for his father's hajj. As they journey through the south of France to Mecca, they encounter various strangers along the way. While religion and politics form the backdrop of the movie, the film is more interested in the intergenerational clash and the desperate need to understand one another. Suggested by Rummanah.
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The Color of Paradise
2000Get this itemAnother staff favorite, this is an extremely moving and touching film that feels very natural. Despite the movie's simple plot, it is very powerful, and the different familial relationships that help the boy "see" elevate this from your stereotypical movie about people with disabilities. Suggested by Rummanah and Sharon.
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