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'Abouna', a film from Chad about the struggles of growing up, could score an Oscar nomination
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Although
the nomination deadline for the 75th annual Academy
Awards is still a full two months away, jockeying for a coveted
Oscar spot has begun in earnest. Not surprisingly a few films about
Muslims could feature in the race for the trophies, which will be
handed out at the award ceremony on March 23, 2003.
It
has long been the case that the Oscars is as much about Hollywood
politicking as it is about recognition of creative excellence. As
such, this year’s crop of Muslim films could either benefit or
suffer from the behind-the-scenes positioning that coincides with
the selection process.
For
sure, there has been an undeniable interest in films by and about
Muslims since September 11, 2001. Since that fateful day, such films
have been regular features on the independent film circuit. From the
Human Rights Watch Film Festival to the Margaret Meade Film Festival
and the Arab Cinemayaat, films about Islam and Muslims have been in
demand.
However,
just as current events continue to influence the way Americans think
and feel about topics related to Islam and Muslims, so to do
opinions concerning Muslim cinema also continue to be impacted. Just
how the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences – the
organization that votes on the Academy Awards – has been impacted
remains to be seen. But at this early date, Muslims can still feel
hopeful that some of the films in the running for the Oscars will
indeed be nominated.
Some
of the films from this year’s crop include the following:
Title:
Fire Dancer
Director: Jawed Wassel
Country: Afghanistan
Summary: Should this film be nominated and then win and
award, it would be done posthumously as the film’s director, Jawed
Wassel, was murdered in October 2001 by one of the producers who is
alleged to have severed Wassel’s head and placed it in his
freezer. The horror of the crime shocked the film industry and left
a great deal of unfinished work. Thankfully, Wassel’s friends
finished the film after his death. Fire Dancer explores the
Afghan community living in New York City.
Title:
Abouna
Director: Mahamat-Saleh Haroun
Country: Chad
Summary: The African desert nation of Chad has shown up on
the Oscar radar thanks to Abouna. Although the film’s
content includes a subplot that deals with sexual awakening, it also
provides moviegoers with a view of a Muslim country that many are
only vaguely familiar with. Abouna tells the story of the
struggle of two brothers, who are sent to and then run away from a
Qur’anic school. It deals with social issues in Chad ranging from
religion to politics and economics.
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