Let's Tell Better Stories in Hollywood

July 11, 2014

These are exciting times for Muslims in Hollywood. If you are like us then you enjoy sitting through the credits after a TV show or movie just to see if any Muslims were involved. In time this won't be a big deal, but growing up where there were only a handful of Muslim actors, directors, writers and producers I am amazed at how far we have come in an industry that seemed so inaccessible a decade ago.

If others are telling stories about us then we want to help protect the image of Islam by being inside as part of the creative process in the entertainment industry. We do this by consulting on projects for TV and film. We help improve stories by providing information on Islam and Muslims that is authentic. To that end, we minimize stereotypes and improve storylines. MPAC’s Hollywood Bureau also helps bridge the gap between the entertainment industry and Muslim talent. We organize workshops to help nurture talent and skills and help expand understanding of the industry. In June, we organized the Disney/ABC writers workshop, where executives gave valuable advice to our emerging talent.

Screenwriter and Director Nia Malika Dixon said about her experience

"Thank you for putting together such a great workshop yesterday with ABC Disney! MPAC really did a huge thing, pulling back the curtain on a lot of things regarding storytelling in network television. There are so many projects I have sitting in notebooks waiting for the perfect pitch, the perfect timing, but after yesterday I also learned that there is no such thing as the perfect timing. We really have to take responsibility for our own narrative and start telling our stories, instead of waiting for permission.”

Most importantly, we want Muslims to tell their own stories. We work hard to empower our emerging talent and we can’t do it without your financial support. So please give generously to MPAC Foundation. Your donation is tax deductible and Zakat eligible.