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'Abouna', a film from Chad about the struggles of growing up, could score an Oscar nomination |
Although the nomination deadline for the 75th annual Academy Awards is still a full two months away, jockeying for a coveted Oscar spot has begun in earnest. Not surprisingly a few films about Muslims could feature in the race for the trophies, which will be handed out at the award ceremony on March 23, 2003.
It has long been the case that the Oscars is as much about Hollywood politicking as it is about recognition of creative excellence. As such, this year’s crop of Muslim films could either benefit or suffer from the behind-the-scenes positioning that coincides with the selection process.
For sure, there has been an undeniable interest in films by and about Muslims since September 11, 2001. Since that fateful day, such films have been regular features on the independent film circuit. From the Human Rights Watch Film Festival to the Margaret Meade Film Festival and the Arab Cinemayaat, films about Islam and Muslims have been in demand.
However, just as current events continue to influence the way Americans think and feel about topics related to Islam and Muslims, so to do opinions concerning Muslim cinema also continue to be impacted. Just how the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences – the organization that votes on the Academy Awards – has been impacted remains to be seen. But at this early date, Muslims can still feel hopeful that some of the films in the running for the Oscars will indeed be nominated.
Some of the films from this year’s crop include the following:
Title: Fire Dancer
Director: Jawed Wassel
Country: Afghanistan
Summary: Should this film be nominated and then win and award, it would be done posthumously as the film’s director, Jawed Wassel, was murdered in October 2001 by one of the producers who is alleged to have severed Wassel’s head and placed it in his freezer. The horror of the crime shocked the film industry and left a great deal of unfinished work. Thankfully, Wassel’s friends finished the film after his death. Fire Dancer explores the Afghan community living in New York City.
Title: Abouna
Director: Mahamat-Saleh Haroun
Country: Chad
Summary: The African desert nation of Chad has shown up on the Oscar radar thanks to Abouna. Although the film’s content includes a subplot that deals with sexual awakening, it also provides moviegoers with a view of a Muslim country that many are only vaguely familiar with. Abouna tells the story of the struggle of two brothers, who are sent to and then run away from a Qur’anic school. It deals with social issues in Chad ranging from religion to politics and economics.
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