Richmond marks Ramadan with online film that builds deeper understanding of contemporary Muslim faith

28 April 2020

Documentary film lovers and those curious to learn about the contemporary Muslim experience of Ramadan are invited to watch a special online screening of the feature film, American Ramadan (2006). This free event will be followed by unique opportunity for a live Q&A discussion with the director, Naeem Randhawa along with some members of the cast.

Date: Thursday, May 7
Time: 7 p.m. 

The initiative supports the City’s Cultural Harmony Plan, which aims to offer opportunities to build a deeper understanding of Richmond’s diverse cultures while providing educational connections for community members.

The feature documentary follows the lives of five families, countering media stereotypes while illustrating their every-day hopes and challenges. Complemented by interviews with Muslim, Jewish and Christian scholars, the film is, according to the director, “a statement of how practicing Muslims are really no different than any other practicing people.” Although filmed in the United States, this introspective view of the contemporary Muslim American experience will resonate locally given Richmond’s growing Muslim community. Viewers will encounter an intimate understanding of the meaning behind the holy month of Ramadan and fasting, and be invited to reflect on the universality of the practice of “Fasting for Faith”.

This event is presented by the Richmond-based group, Islamic Art British Columbia (in association with Envoy Films) in partnership with the Richmond Media Lab and Richmond Public Library.

For more information and/or to pre-register for this free online 45-minute film and the special Q&A with director, Naeem Randhawa, visit www.richmond.ca/connects.