November 11, 2014

On Saturday, November 15 the Los Angeles / Islam Arts Initiative (LA/IAI) in partnership with the Muslim Public Affairs Council’s Hollywood Bureau (MPAC) present: American Muslim Voices. This day long showcase will explore narrative and documentary features and shorts made by and about American-born Muslims.

Each session is followed by a discussion about the films to engage perspectives on the American Muslim experience.

SEE: LA Islam Arts Initiative

ALSO SEE: LA Islam Arts Initiative (Facebook page)

American Muslim Voices Showcase

WHEN: Saturday, Nov. 15- 12:30PM- 9:00PM

WHERE: IMAN Cultural Center

3376 Motor Ave

Los Angeles, CA 90034

SHOWCASE SCHEDULE

12:30- First Feature “New Muslim Cool”

Followed by Q&A with Director

Jennifer Taylor

4:00- Shorts Program

5:30- Panel Discussion

American Muslims in Film

7:30- Evening Feature “Valley of Saints”

About the Los Angeles / Islam Arts Initiative (LA/IAI)

Launching this fall, the Los Angeles / Islam Arts Initiative (LA/IAI) brings together nearly 30 cultural institutions throughout Los Angeles to tell various stories of traditional and contemporary art from multiple Islamic regions and their significant global diasporas. LA/IAI is the first-of-its kind, wide-scale citywide initiative on Islamic arts producing and presenting programming such as art exhibitions, panels, discussions, and performances. Anchoring LA/IAI are two connected exhibitions, Doris Duke’s Shangri La: Architecture, Landscape, and Islamic Art and the contemporary art exhibition, Shangri La: Imagined Cities commissioned by the Department of Cultural Affairs (DCA) to be held at DCA’s Los Angeles Municipal Art Gallery (LAMAG) at Barnsdall Park from October 26 to December 28, 2014.

Los Angeles’ substantial populations from areas with strong Islamic roots make LA a compelling location for this initiative. LA/IAI casts a wide net, being inclusive and welcoming, with art as its central focus. The term “Islamic art” includes work created by non-Muslim artists from Muslim-dominant countries, work by Muslims creating art in non-Muslim dominant countries, and work by artists culturally influenced by Islam. Designed to build a greater understanding of the role of Islamic arts, LA/IAI seeks to stimulate the global conversation in connection to cultural, political, and social issues. The celebration of Islamic art and culture is presented by DCA with major support from the Doris Duke Foundation for Islamic Art, the National Endowment for the Arts, the California Community Foundation, the California Institute of the Arts (CalArts), and the Barnsdall Park Foundation.

MPAC’s Hollywood Bureau serves as a bridge between the Muslim community and the entertainment industry. The Bureau advances accurate and humanizing portrayals in the entertainment industry by serving as a resource on Islam for the Hollywood community. The Bureau also nurtures creative talent and connects Muslim filmmakers, writers and actors with Hollywood professionals.