One Nation

Qasim Basir’s film “Glimpse” won the Drama category of the One Nation, Many Voices online film contest. Born and raised Muslim in Ann Arbor, Michigan, he is a 27-year-old independent filmmaker who lives in New York City.

Muslim philanthropists from around the world will gather in Istanbul, Turkey for the first assembly of the World Congress of Muslim Philanthropists, from March 22-24. Organized by the Pakistani-American physician, Dr. Tariq Cheema, the convening will bring together philanthropists, issue experts, and on-the-ground practitioners to work together to mobilize human and financial resources to address poverty, literacy, social justice and economic development.

Sharif Rosen’s film, “Healing Our Community,” was originally produced as a 10th anniversary piece for the clinic, which was founded over a decade ago by UMMA, a group of medical students at UCLA. He collaborated with the clinic’s diverse staff and board of directors along with a number of editors and videographers to conduct interviews, gather footage, and edit down the piece to meet contest entry requirements.

Democrat Andre Carson, 33, won a special election in Indianapolis on Tuesday, March 11, becoming the second Muslim ever elected to Congress. He is the grandson of the late U.S. Rep. Julia Carson, who died in December 2007 after 11 years of service as Congresswoman.

By Safiyyah Lanier, Reprinted with permission of Elan

Comedian, actor and producer Mazyiar Jobrani, better know as Maz, is witty and multitalented. A proud Iranian, he continues to break barriers with his work. Even with all the commotion in the Middle East, he has kept his focus. Whether he’s doing his Iranian vs. Arab imitations or lamenting the fact that the news never shows Iranians ‘just baking cookies,’ his work is both provocative and hilarious. With his recent tour, “The Axis of Evil”, he proves that he is growing creatively as well as professionally.

Ali Ardekani’s film “Flying While Muslim” won the Comedy category of the One Nation, Many Voices online film contest. Ardekani, also known as “Baba Ali” is the first ever Muslim video blogger. His entry pits Muslims and non-Muslims against an inconvenient experience everyone can relate to: going through airport security.

By Fatemeh Fakhraie, Reprinted with permission of altmuslim

“It's time we realized that passing off Arab culture as authoritatively Islamic is inaccurate, exclusionary, and disrespectful of other Muslims' cultures.” 

Elan magazine, dedicated to quality reporting on the current trends in the arts, business, and contemporary Muslim lifestyle, launches this week. With the tagline “Rethink Muslim,” it aims to commemorate the unique and distinct lifestyles of Muslim Americans.

Imam Hassan Qazwini, author of American Crescent: A Muslim Cleric on the Power of His Faith, the Struggle Against Prejudice, and the Future of Islam and America, is One Nation’s latest expert.

For her prize-winning entry in the One Nation, Many Voices Film Contest, 23-year-old filmmaker Lena Khan asked over 2,000 American Muslims what they wished to say to the rest of the world. The 5-minute film, “A Land Called Paradise,” features their responses, set to music by the country artist Kareem Salama.

One Nation and LinkTV are pleased to announce the winners of the “One Nation, Many Voices” online film contest. Six filmmakers have been recognized for their interpretations of the American Muslim experience and for promoting tolerance, understanding and respect for the religious freedom of all Americans.

One Nation and LinkTV announce the finalists in the “One Nation, Many Voices” online film contest. Thirty filmmakers have been recognized for their interpretations of the American Muslim experience and for promoting tolerance, understanding and respect for the religious freedom of all Americans.