Director/Producer: Omar Al Dakheel Producers: Sara Fenton, John Palmer
Description:
Despite controversy and threats, Muslim spiritual leader Ani Zonneveld takes a stand for justice through activism and a progressive practice of Islam. Enduring threats, excommunication from family, and opposition from many fellow Muslims, she insists that the Qur’an is a progressive text and believes in an egalitarian view of Islam, working tirelessly at her faith-based activism and music to counter both Islamic extremism and Islamophobia. As one of the world’s only female imams (Muslim religious leader) and founder and president of Muslims for Progressive Values, Zonneveld advocates for universal human rights and interfaith initiatives within Islam. Whether leading a coed, inclusive prayer for a small community of like-minded Muslims, singing Islamic prayers in a Jewish temple, encouraging her daughter to think independently, officiating an interfaith marriage, or going head-to-head with opposing views in the media, Zonneveld is committed to reform within Islam. A timely and lyrical portrait, this film gives voice to a Muslim perspective not often heard by the mainstream. With unprecedented access to Zonneveld's daily life, Al Imam presents a personal view of her work and beliefs, examining what it means to stand up for what you believe in the face of great resistance.
Biography:
Omar Al Dakheel was born and raised in Kuwait. He came to the US when he was eighteen years old with a full merit scholarship from the Higher Education Ministry of Kuwait. He received his bachelor’s degree in broadcast journalism and theatre arts from the University of Miami. Omar interned at the Miami Heat TV and Al Jazeera in Washington DC. Omar is pursuing producing and directing at USC School of Cinematic Arts. He produced Jihad in Hollywood featuring Werner Herzog.
