May 11, 2010

Before a packed house, our 2010 Media Awards honorees shared their inspiration for their projects and their hopes for better, more accurate portrayals of Muslims on television and in film. In a stirring evening filled with emotion, attendees were treated to a line-up of remarkable honorees who provided insightful and inspiring reflections on their awards.

"All of our honorees this year have shared powerful stories of ordinary people placed in extraordinary circumstances," said MPAC Board Member Dr. Rahmi Mowjood, who served as the evening's Master of Ceremonies. "Their stories revolve around characters who must struggle -- be it on the national level, personal level or emotional level -- to assert their identity and their humanity. And in each case, it is their steadfast beliefs which allow them to transcend their challenges and move ahead with hope and optimism."

Pultizer Prize nominated author of "Zeitoun" Dave Eggers described the extremely personal and moving experience he had in the three years he spent researching the life and story of Abdulrahman Zeitoun, the protagonist of his best-selling non-fiction book. He described the Zeitoun family’s story as all-American and eye-opening. Their experience living through Hurricane Katrina, followed by Abdulrahman’s heroic efforts to help neighbors and eventually his detention by armed military officers form the spellbinding and touching story of the book, and offer a much-needed critique of post-9/11 national security policy.

In accepting the award for a touching episode of Grey's Anatomy called Give Peace a Chance, writer Peter Nowalk and actor Faran Tahir both stressed the unique attitude of show creator Shonda Rhimes, who has always mandated that characters be cast without attention paid to their race/ethnicity. After Tahir was cast in the role of “Isaac, a lab tech at the hospital who discovers he has a life threatening tumor, it was the director of the episode who asked him to personalize the character with his own Islamic form of prayer (du'a) during a key scene in the episode. The episode was honored for its positive and heart warming portrayal of a Muslim character who perseveres in the face of enormous personal challenges.

Fox Searchlight President Stephen Gilula joined legendary Bollywood director Karan Johar in accepting the award for his record breaking international release My Name is Khan, which is a Forrest Gump like story of an Indian man with Aspergers Syndrome who immigrates to the U.S., only to face the harsh realities of post-9/11 life for immigrant Muslims. Johar reflected on how proud his father would be to see him now, working on a project of importance like My Name is Khan. He added that the award was truly a matter of great pride not only because it was the film's first award, but also because it has come from such a special organization.

First-time screenwriter and director Cherien Dabis was honored for her groundbreaking film Amreeka, which has won awards at both the Sundance Film Festival and the Cannes Film Festival. The film follows the story of a blended Palestinian American family facing life as a minority during the first Gulf War while living in the Midwest. Dabis described how the film was inspired by her own upbringing and experiences and shared her hope that it would open the door to more complex and nuanced portrayals.

Among the special guests who attended the Media Awards were the former speaker of the California Assembly and current Congressional candidate Karen Bass, 20th Century Fox Vice President of Diversity Development Ron Taylor, and Fox International President Stanford Panitch. State Senator Carol Liu also provided declarations in support of the Media Awards and efforts to promote accurate portrayals of Islam and Muslims.

In an effort to promote positive and accurate portrayals of Islam and Muslims, the Muslim Public Affairs Council 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 tolerance and diversity. MPAC's Media Awards is a production of its Hollywood Bureau, which serves as a resource and ally to television networks, film studios, screenwriters and the creative community at large.

- Edina Lekovic (edina@mpac.org)
Communications Director