Boston, April 2, 2013 – The American Islamic Congress (AIC) and Project Nur kick off the 7th Annual Boston Muslim Film Festival today at the AIC Center Boston. The opening film, Words of Witness, explores 22-year-old journalist Heba Afify’s experience covering the Egyptian revolution.
Words of Witness is the first of four films that will be shown throughout the Boston area. Other films include: All I Wanna Do, which chronicles a father-son hip-hop group in Morocco, I am Gay and Muslim, which examines gay rights in the Islamic world, and David, which depicts a young Muslim boy’s struggle with identity in Brooklyn.
The Muslim Film Festival harnesses cinema to explore Muslim affairs beyond the headlines, for audiences of all backgrounds. The festival provides a forum to advance public understanding of the diversity of American Muslim cultural identity. Films screened range from Oscar-nominated releases from major studios to underground films by emerging American Muslim filmmakers.
When: 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, April 2, 2013
Where: AIC Center Boston, 38 Newbury Street, Boston, MA 02116
Film information:
Words of Witness directed by Mai Iskander:Every time 22-year-old Heba Afify heads out to cover the historical events shaping her country’s future, her mother is compelled to remind her, “I know you are a journalist, but you’re still a girl!” Defying cultural norms and family expectations, Heba takes to the streets using tweets, texts and Facebook posts to report on an Egypt in turmoil. Her coming of age, political awakening and the disillusionment that follows, mirrors that of a nation seeking the freedom to shape its own destiny, dignity and democracy.
For more information on upcoming screenings visit aicongress.org/events.
The American Islamic Congress is a nonprofit, non-religious, civil society development organization serving Muslims and Non-Muslims by promoting civil and human rights through advocacy, engagement and education. Visit http://aic.craftedenterprises.com for more information.
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