Sharif Rosen, 28, is the community relations coordinator at the Umma (University Muslim Medical Association) Community Clinic in south Los Angeles. The documentary he submitted, “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. Known as a gift from the Muslim community to the people of South Los Angeles, the federally qualified health care center is now run by a diverse, interfaith staff that also serves to provide medical students with valuable training and perspective into underserved communities.

Rosen 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. The piece tells the story of what is possible for the American Muslim community when Muslims and others fulfill their mission to serve. It also reflects the voices of those in the south Los Angeles community, both Muslim and non-Muslim, who have benefited from the clinic’s services.

The film has been widely distributed to donors, local policy-makers, on YouTube (on which it has attracted over 25,000 viewers), and has fostered a sense of pride among Muslim Americans.

Posted March 17, 2008