MPAC to Present 17th Media Awards to Film Producer Omar Amanat & Sitcom
May 05, 2008
"We are thrilled to be able to recognize these talented and inspirational voices for bringing humanizing and multi-dimensional portrayals of Muslims to millions of television and film viewers," said MPAC Executive Director Salam Al-Marayati.
The CW Network's new sitcom "Aliens in America" was co-created by executive producers Moses Port and David Guarascio, and centers around a midwestern family who host an international student from Pakistan. After the initial shock wears off, Justin is quickly won over by Raja's humor, gestures of friendship and by their common status as outsiders.
Despite the cultural chasm between them, Justin and Raja develop an unlikely bond that just might allow them to navigate the minefield that is contemporary high school. MPAC's Hollywood Bureau has served as a consultant on the show since last fall, when the show (produced by CBS Paramount Television) was picked up by The CW Network.
Honoree Omar Amanat is a rising force in the film industry who has put his influence and substantial wealth into funding compelling films that can change the world. Named one of Wall Street's "Top Ten Most Influential Technologists," Amanat was a pioneer in the electronic brokerage industry. He created an online trading software that handled 10% of all Wall Street transactions, which he ultimately sold to E*Trade for over $280 million.
Tickets for MPAC's 17th Annual Media Awards Dinner on June 1, 2007 at the Disneyland Resort & Hotel in Anaheim, CA are now available for $150 each or $1500 for a table of 10. Call MPAC at (213) 383-3443. Tickets will not be sold at the door.
In an effort to promote positive and accurate portrayals of Islam and Muslims, MPAC each year recognizes voices of courage and conscience who are the best in their field. Since 1991, MPAC has honored artists, actors, authors, and activists for their artistic contributions to promoting diversity and inspiring action. Past recipients include "Little Mosque on the Prairie", "An Inconvenient Truth", "Syriana", "Paradise Now", South Asian rock band "Junoon" founder Salman Ahmad, Morgan Spurlock for the "30 Days" episode "Muslims and America", the Allah Made Me Funny Muslim Comedy Tour, director Spike Lee, author Karen Armstrong, NBA star Hakim Olajuwan, Yusuf Islam and the producers of VH1's "Behind the Music," Michael Moore, and Alec Baldwin.
Launched last spring, MPAC's Hollywood Bureau provides expertise and consultation to television networks and film studios in order to enhance accuracy and sensitivity of portrayals related to Islam, Muslims and related issues.
