Islam Filmography
updated (12/01)

Among the non-believers. Living Islam. 1993. 1 videocassette (50 min.). Over 40% of the world's Muslims live as minorities, but is it possible to live a true Muslim life outside of the Islamic world? This program asks whether Muslims suffer particular discrimination or difficulties compared to other minorities. And does life in a secular society compromise their faith? VHS 4285

Ancient India. Ancient civilizations. 1999. 1 videocassette (47 min.). The antecedents of modern Indian culture can be traced back to the Harappan civilization, which flourished between 2300 and 1500 BC in what are now Pakistan and Afghanistan. This era saw the birth of the Hindu religion. The Aryan tribes from the Russian steppes invaded the subcontinent in 1000 BC, bringing their language and culture. The resulting synthesis between the Aryan and Indian civilizations brought forth a unique society that included a caste system, which soon became entrenched. Program examines the religious tension between Hinduism, Buddhism, and Islam, and the historical events that shaped the great Indian civilizations from the Morian Empire through the Mogul Empire. Maps and scholars provide insight into a culture that remains vibrant and diverse today. VHS 6354

Authority and change. Islamic conversations. 1994. 1 videocassette (30 min). What is a fatwa? Who is qualified to issue one? What is the role of traditional scholars in the Muslim world today? Egypt today is a battleground between liberal and radical Muslims, as the secular state and traditional scholars are being challenged by more militant forces. In this program, Sheikh Syed Tautavi, Mufti of Egypt, explores these and other vital questions that underlie current developments in Egypt and elsewhere in the Islamic world. VHS 6145

Beneath the veil. 2001. 1 videocassette (56 min.). A report on current conditions in Afghanistan. The program focuses on the harsh version of Islamic law that has been imposed on Afghanistan by the Taliban, which controls most of the country. VHS 6828

Beyond the veil. 1999. 3 videocassettes (52 min. ea.). The born again Muslims: Variations in veil policies in Sudan, Turkey and Iran reflect variations in Islam in these three countries. Shows that the Muslim world is not monolithic in its views. The holy warriors: Film examines the reasons for more radical interpretations of the Quran in Algeria, Egypt, Palestine, Jordan, Pakistan and Afghanistan. Analysis of the jihad helps Westerners perceive why some Muslims believe that they can escape Westernization only through violence, how one man's terrorism may be another man's patriotism. How then can differing cultures find a common basis for mutual respect? The new cold war: Is the gap between the West and moderate Muslims widening? Is the West determined to impose its values on Islamic nations without regard to national preferences, thus radicalizing local patriots? Are all Western motives self-serving? When both cultures accept that their definitions of democracy and human rights differ, there will be a firm basis for dialogue now, and peaceful co-existence in the future. VHS 5550

The Birth of Pakistan. Archives of the 20th century. 1993. 1 videocassette (20 min.). On August 15, 1947, Pakistan was born. As the former Indian provinces debated whether to be part of India or Pakistan, religious differences flared into full-scale rioting, which led to large-scale migration; millions moved from India to Pakistan, and vice versa. This program documents the birth of the new country; the death of Mohammed Ali Jinnah, leader of the Moslem League; the economic and political problems of the new country; the Indus Water Treaty; the war in Kashmir; the independence of Bangladesh and the resulting war with India; the rise and fall of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto; Zia's assumption of power and adoption of strict Islamic rules; the impact of the war in Afghanistan; the death of Zia and the election of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto's daughter, Benazir. VHS 6308

The bridge: How the medicine of the ancient Greeks came back to Europe through the world of Islam. 1998. 1 videocassette (50 min.). After the fall of the Roman Empire, throughout the Dark Ages, much knowledge was preserved by Islamic cultures who later passed it back to the West. Program uses footage shot in the Aegean, Middle East, Iran, Spain, Italy, France, and Germany to explore the process by which medical knowledge was passed on. VHS 6103

Call and promise. Genesis, a living conversation. 1996. 1 videocassette (60 min.). Examines the story in which God makes his covenant with Abraham. Explores what it means to be "called" by God, what it feels like to be in exile looking for a homeland, and how the covenant led to the founding of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. VHS 4745

The Challenge of the past. Living Islam. 1993. 1 videocassette (50 min.). The many differences in Muslim thinking today are the result of influence of three major Islamic empires. The Ottomans were confronted by Europe and Christianity, accounting for the "western" approach of many Turkish Muslims ; the Mughals achieved a synthesis with Hinduism that produced such beauty as the Taj Mahal; while the Saffavid dynasty was characterized by the Shi'a/Sunni split which is still acted out in southern Iran in the Taziya pageants. VHS 4282

Crimes of honour. 1999. 1 videocassette (44 min.). Filmed in Jordan and on the West Bank, film looks at women in Islamic culture who are killed by their male relatives because they are thought to have dishonored their families by engaging in unacceptable relationships with men or running away. Also profiles three women, Rana Husseini, a reporter for the Jordan Times, Asma Khader, a Jordanian human rights lawyer, and Nadera Shalhoub-Kervorkian, founder of the Women's Work Center for Legal Aid Counseling in the West Bank, who have committed themselves to human rights and who attempt to provide protection and assistance to those in danger of losing their lives. VHS 5979

Divorce Iranian style. 1998. 1 videocassette (ca. 80 min.). "... this fly-on-the-wall look at several weeks in an Iranian divorce court provides a unique window into the intimate circumstances of Iranian women's lives. Following Jamileh, whose husband beats her; Ziba, a 16 year old trying to divorce her 38 year old husband; and Maryam, who is desperately fighting to gain custody of her daughters, this deadpan chronicle showcases the strength, ingenuity, and guile with which they confront biased laws, a Kafakaesque administrative system, and their husbands' and families' rage to gain divorces." (Summary from Women Make Movies website: http://wmm.com). VHS 5995

The Ethnic cleansers and the cleansed: The unforgiving. 1994. 1 videocassette (78 min.). In Serb-held eastern Bosnia, a Serbian couple desperately try to learn how their 11 year-old son was murdered and where his remains might be. The only clues come from a Muslim prisoner, a family acquaintance before the time of ethnic cleansing. The film follows the family's harrowing search and shows how atrocities have become commonplace in the struggle for control of Bosnia. VHS 809

Exile. Genesis, a living conversation. 1996. 1 videocassette (60 min.). Focuses on Joseph's exile in Egypt and explores the issues of national and spiritual exile, assimilation, coming of age, and the dilemma of beauty. VHS 4750

Father, son and holy war. 1994. 2 videocassettes (120 min.). A film examining the connection between religion, violence and male identity in India today and exploring the possibility that a key to the psychology of violence against "the enemy" is male insecurity, itself an inevitable product of the very construction of "manhood". VHS 6683

The Five pillars of Islam. The World of Islam. 1988. 1 videocassette (30 min.). The essential principles on which Islam rests--the five pillars--are discussed, described, and put into historical perspective in this program.  Viewers are introduced to the huge international mosaic of Moslem believers, and the conflict between traditional teachings and the effects of industrialization. VHS 2843

Foundations. Living Islam. 1993. 1 videocassette (50 min.). An introduction to the essentials of Islam. The tenets of faith are deeply woven around the life of Muhammad, the Prophet of Allah. The program finds a living saint in the dunes of Timbuktu converting pagan villagers to Islam in the exact manner of Muhammad. And across the world, as the Prophet did in his time, Muslims learn to balance din (religion) and dunya (life). VHS 4281

Garm hava = Hot winds. 199. 1 videocassette (132 min.). Dramatization of the plight of north India's Muslim minority during the Partition upheavals. A Muslim shoe factory owner must decide whether to emigrate to newly-formed Pakistan or remain in his ancestral home and business. VHS 6704

Holy war, holy terror. Frontline. 1986. 1 videocassette (60 min.). A documentary on terrorism, focusing on Iran's revolutionary Shiites.  Discussion centers on the war they are fighting in the gulf, their involvement with terrorism, and their religious creed. VIC 596

In the name of God. 1991. 1 videocassette (90 min.). Though India is a secular state, religious fundamentalism grips much of its population. This film focuses on efforts by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) to destroy a 16th century mosque in Ayodhya supposedly built by Babar, the first Mughal emperor of India. The VHP claim the mosque was built at the birthplace of the Hindu god Ram after Babar razed an existing temple; they are determined to build a new temple to Ram on the same site. This controversial issue, unresolved by successive governments, has led to religious riots costing thousands their lives and culminating in the mosque's destruction by the Hindus in 1992. Examines the motivations that led to the drastic actions of the Hindu militants, as well as the efforts of secular Indians to combat the religious intolerance. VHS 6682

The inner life. Traditional world of Islam. 1978. 1 videocassette (25 min.). Series of 6 programs examines the influence of Islamic doctrine and traditional practices on a wide variety of human endeavors throughout the Islamic world. Also shows important contributions of Islamic civilization to the world. This segment deals with Islamic mysticism, concentrating in particular on Sufism. VHS 663

Iran, a revolution betrayed. 1984. 1 videocassette (60 min.). A historical documentary on the emotional muddle of Iranian political and religious turmoil of recent years. Looks at the career of the Shah and the triumph of Khomeini. Shows how the revolution began to devour its own as liberals fought conservatives, national minorities were crushed, and the dissident were eliminated through secret trials and executions. VHS 5119

Islam. Smithsonian world. 1987. 1 videocassette (58 min). Discusses the history and culture of the world of Islam, not only as a religion, but as a way of life. Host David McCullough examines the principles and beliefs that guide the Muslim way of life. Includes interviews with Islam experts who discuss the Judeo-Christian roots of this religion and examine its scientific and artistic achievements and its current resurgence. VHS 358

Islam. Moyers collection. 1996. 1 videocassette (58 min.). Huston Smith's The World's Religions, a best-seller since 1959, has been translated into 14 languages. Thomas Moore calls the scholar "the world's ambassador to religions everywhere, a man of passionate intellect and immense heart." Smith is also a pilgrim who experiences the religions that he studies. He remains a Methodist but practices yoga, prays five times daily as  Muslims do, has endured the rigors of a Zen monastery, and joined his daughter and her Jewish husband in observing the Sabbath and the Seder. In this program Moyers and Smith discuss misconceptions of Islam. Discovering Islam as an adult, Smith became enamored with Islamic conceptions of order, justice, mercy, and compassion. Through their trance-inducing dances, the mystics, the Sufis, bring God into the immediate moment. VHS 6102

Islam, a closer look. 1995. 1 videocassette (30 min.). Short introduction to Islam that informs non-Muslims about Islamic beliefs and debunks misconceptions about Muslims, particularly focusing on North America. Touches on many concepts ranging from the fundamental tenets to issues such as the role of the mosque, Islamic family values and the importance of knowledge. VHS 6116

Islam and Christianity.  Islamic conversations. 1994. 1 videocassette (30 min). This program examines the historical relations between Islam and Christianity and the long history of conflict between them. Iran's ambassador to the Vatican, Mohammad Masjed Jame'i, explains the basic differences and similarities between Islam and Christianity: the roles of Christ and Mohammad, the Bible and the Koran, and the main differences of approach. The program  also examines the reasons for the continuing conflict between Islam and the West, and whether an understanding can be reached between them. VHS 6142

Islam and pluralism. Islamic conversations. 1994. 1 videocassette (30 min). In this program, Anwar Ibrahim, Malaysia's Minister of Finance and Deputy Prime Minister, explains his government's approach to multiculturalism within Islam. Although Malaysia is a multicultural and multireligious society, the official religion is Islam. Drawing examples from Islamic history, Anwar Ibrahim argues for a tolerant and pluralistic approach to Islam. He also explores issues of non-Muslim minorities, Islamic fundamentalism, and economic development, and its impact on Islamic values. VHS 6141

Islam and war. Islamic conversations. 1994. 1 videocassette (30 min). Seen as the spiritual head of the Hezbollah, Sayed Fadlallah -- a leading political figure in the Lebanese Islamic Movement -- gives his views of Jihad or Holy War, its rules, its origins, and the role of terror in such a war. The program also examines how Muslim thinkers see the role of war and violence in the contemporary world, and why some feel the need to wage a Holy War. VHS 6143

Islam, faith and nations. 1990. 1 videocassette (120 min.). A journey through Islam from its beginnings 1300 years ago to its place in the world today. Introduces the culture, philosophy, and basics of the Islamic life-style. VHS 2146

Islam in America. Our world in transition : the 90s. 1992. 1 videocassette (60 min.). Attempts to debunk many misconceptions and stereotypes about Islam that are common both in the United States and abroad. Fosters a better understanding of what many consider to be the fastest growing religion in the world. VHS 2544

Islamic art. The world of Islam. 1988. 1 videocassette (30 min.). Discusses the architecture and sculpture of mosques and Koranic  schools, the illumination and calligraphy of sacred texts, music, the art of the garden, and the influence of the abstract arabesque on Western art. VHS 2845

Islamic conversations. 1994. 6 videocassettes (180 min). Series provides insight into the views of influential Muslim thinkers on subjects as diverse as violence and holy war, democracy, the rights of women, multiculturalism, Christianity, and the Islamic state and religious authority. VHS 6145

Islamic knowledge. The world of Islam. 1983. 1 videocassette (30 min.). Describes how Islamic knowledge made significant contributions in the fields of astronomy, physics, medicine, and engineering. VHS 2844

The Islamic state. Islamic conversations. 1994. 1 videocassette (30 min). Islamic movements throughout the Muslim world are demanding an Islamic state. What is an Islamic state? What is its relationship to the people, and how democratic can it be? In this program, Dr. Hassan Turabi, widely regarded as the architect of the Sudanese Islamic state, describes the ideal Islamic state and its ideology; he also discusses the issues of human rights, women's rights, and the position of minorities in the Sudan. VHS 6144

Jihad! in America. 1994. 1 videocassette (57 min.). The program features videos of militants' meetings in the U.S., interviews with leading law enforcement and government officials, and discussion about the civil liberties issues our society faces in dealing with the threat of terrorism. VHS 3573

Knowledge of the world.  Traditional world of Islam. 1978. 1 videocassette (28 min.). Series of 6 programs examines the influence of Islamic doctrine and traditional practices on a wide variety of human endeavors throughout the Islamic world. Also shows important contributions of Islamic civilization to the world. This segment looks at the Islamic emphasis on man's need to seek knowledge as it is. Film gives examples of the historic Islamic interests in education, science, mathematics and medicine. VHS 662

The Last crusade. Living Islam. 1993. 1 videocassette (50 min.). As many nations both West and East, from Algeria to Malaysia, face an Islamic revival, this program looks at the revolutionary and reforming spirit of Muslims. Locations visited include Jerusalem, Cairo, Kadvna and Teheran. VHS 4286

The Living Islam. 1993. 6 videocassettes (300 min.). Explores the history, culture and practices of Islam and its relationship to modern society and politics. VHS 4281-4286

Makhmalbaf bidun-i hijab = Makhmalbaf : unveiling an Islamic filmmaker. 1998. 1 videocassette (66 min.). Iranian filmmaker Makhmalbaf "... claims that the focus in his work is more on the artistic, cultural and humanistic, and not on the religious or political." His critics call his work a "whitewash" that "cleverly veiling the regime's psychotic persecution of women, children, religious minorities and political opponents." Film includes excerpts of interviews with thirteen Iranian artists, writers, critics, and journalists who now live in America. The interviewees comment on Makhmalbaf and his films. Includes clips from Makhmalbaf's films and a brief phone interview with him as they look at question of whether Makhmalbaf "is a fearless hero attacking the Islamic Republic with his films or is, in all actuality, its cultural ambassador." Quotes taken from opening screens of film. VHS 5758

Man and nature. Traditional World of Islam. 1978. 1 videocassette (30 min.). Series of 6 programs examines the influence of Islamic doctrine and traditional practices on a wide variety of human endeavors throughout the Islamic world. Also shows important contributions of Islamic civilization to the world. This segment explores the basic tenet of Islam that man should work in harmony with nature. Examples of architecture, cooling techniques, and transporting water are used to show how the natives work with nature to sustain life in essentially arid zones. VHS 660

Medieval conflict: Faith and reason. Day the universe changed. 1985. 1 videocassette (54 min.). When Europeans invaded Moorish Spain in the 11th century, they discovered libraries, universities, optics, mechanics, and natural philosophy, as well as table manners and dessert. The rediscovery of classical knowledge leads to the founding of universities and the overthrow of Augustinian beliefs by those of Aristotle. VHS 2892

The Message. 1991. 2 videocassettes (217 min.). The dramatic story of Mohammed, the prophet who founded Islam. VHS 3276

The myth of the "Clash of civilizations". Race & diversity series. 1998. 1 videocassette (55 min.). Lecture on foreign policy that looks at the ideas of Samuel P. Huntington as expressed first in an essay in Foreign Affairs and later in his book: The Clash of Civilization and the remaking of World Order. Edward Said looks at one of Huntington's central tenets - that conflicts between different and clashing "civilizations" (Western, Islamic, Confucian) characterize the contemporary world. Said argues that collapsing complex, diverse and contradictory groups of people into vast, simplistic abstractions has disastrous consequences. Presents instead a vision of the "coexistence" of difference. Includes question and answer session.  VHS 5553

Nomad and city. Traditional World of Islam. 1978. 1 videocassette (28 min.). Series of 6 programs examines the influence of Islamic doctrine and traditional practices on a wide variety of human endeavors throughout the Islamic world. Also shows important contributions of Islamic civilization to the world. This segment examines the relationship between nomads and traditional-city dwellers that has long been one of mutual dependence and an important part of the internal dynamics of the Islamic world. Contrasts the stability of the city dwellers with the energy and drive of the nomads and the tensions caused by their different styles of life. VHS 659

Not without my daughter. 1991. 1 videocassette (ca. 116 min.). Betty (Field) has come to Iran with her daughter and native-born husband for what is suppose to be a vacation to meet his family. However her husband really doesn't intend to return to America ... ever. She may return, he says, but their daughter must stay. As a stranger in a foreign land, Betty has no money, no friends, no rights. In a hostile, war torn country where the slightest misstep can mean death, she makes a desperate bid to escape with her child. VHS 5036

Not without my veil: Women in Oman. 1993. 1 videocassette (29 min.). The Western view of the Islamic woman is that she is oppressed and confined. This film introduces educated, independent women who dress in the traditional way, yet are moving into new areas for women. Dagmar Taylor- Al Busaidy, who spent her formative years in England, moved back to Oman in 1976 when the new Sultan was ushering in changes. She remembers that when she dressed in Western clothes she was an object of curiosity and had difficulty pursuing her goals. Once she donned the veil, she was free to pursue her vocational interests. Favziya Al-Kindy's father made certain that his daughter was given as good an education as his sons. As a result, she was able to attain a high professional status as an economist in the banking industry. She asserts that women of talent are now given ample opportunity in Oman. Other women who have made careers as heads of banks, pilots and doctors wear the veil as a symbol of their origins; it does not compromise their strength. VHS 6344

The Ottoman Empire. Ancient civilizations. 1999. 1 videocassette (47 min.). Looks at the Ottoman Empire that at its zenith was an infallible military power dedicated to the spread of Islam, but which also tolerated a diverse population and many creeds within its boundaries. Examines the structure of the empire from the family to religion and bureaucracy. The role of the powerful "doshan," young Christian peasant boys who were abducted and educated to serve the sultan, is also discussed, along with role of women. VHS 6104

Paradise lies at the feet of the mother. Living Islam. 1993. 1 videocassette (ca. 50 min.). One of the most common accusations leveled against Islam is that it treats women badly. This program explores women, the Muslim family, the pressure to change, and the forces which hold change back as it looks at the role of women in Islam and in Muslim societies in the Middle East, Asia and Nigeria.  VHS 4284

Partition of Pakistan. 1998. 1 videocassette (50 min.). In August 1947, Pakistan became a separate Muslim nation amid the bloodshed following the partitioning of India. To this day, the religious animosities that prompted the separation persist, with both Muslims and Hindus claiming political superiority. This program examines the role of Pakistan's founder, Mohammed Ali Jinnah, in Pakistan's fight to be recognized as a separate nation. It traces Jinnah's evolution from supporter of a British plan to preserve India as a single  nation with Muslim autonomy, through his contentious relationship with Mahatma Gandhi, to his ultimate role as leader of the Pakistani separatist movement. Jinnah's legacy is examined in India and Pakistan, where he is alternately vilified and deified. VHS 6309

Patterns of beauty. Traditional world of Islam. 1978. 1 videocassette (30 min.). Series of 6 programs examines the influence of Islamic doctrine and traditional practices on a wide variety of human endeavors throughout the Islamic world. Shows important contributions of Islamic civilization to the world. This segment looks at traditional Islamic art which is largely abstract and geometric in form. Recurring motifs, themes, and patterns render the various artistic styles developed in the Muslim world identifiable as Islamic. Film presents three elements of Islamic art: line and angle, vegetation, and calligraphy.  Examples of Islamic architecture and paintings are shown.  VHS 661

The Shaping of traditions. Heritage-- civilization and the Jews. 1984. 1 videocassette (ca. 60 min.). Chronicles the history of the Jews during the 1st to the 9th centuries. Includes factors such as the Diaspora, the Roman Empire, and the growth of the Nazarene sect or Christians. Discusses the shift of Jewish life from the Near East to the European continent. VHS 3393

Struggling with modernity. Living Islam. 1993. 1 videocassette (50 min.). Looks at the tensions within Islamic states as they attempt to make their laws and practices compatible with the 21 century while remaining true to the spirit of the faith. VHS 4283

Süleyman the Magnificent. 1987. 1 videocassette (60 min.). Describes the Ottoman sultan known as the second Solomon, Süleyman the Magnificent. Tells how he ruled half the civilized world from the Topkapi Palace in Istanbul and how his empire flourished and witnessed a golden age under his enlightened guidance.  Explores the Ottoman mosques and palaces left from his reign. VHS 1624

Taj Mahal: The story of Muslim India. 1991. 1 videocassette (24 min.). For more than 300 years, the Taj Mahal has stood as the symbol of the rich court life of the Moghuls and of Shah Jahan's love for his wife.  This videotape examines Shah Jahan and the history of the waves of Muslim conquerors who swept over the mountains to rule the Indian subcontinent. VHS 1932

Unity. Traditional world of Islam ; pt. 1. 1978. 1 videocassette (28 min.). Series of 6 programs examines the influence of Islamic doctrine and traditional practices on a wide variety of human endeavors throughout the Islamic world. Also shows important contributions of Islamic civilization to the world. The segment explains some of the religion's precepts, the symbolic meaning of Mecca, the traditional pilgrimage, and some history of the spread of Islam, by way of the trading caravans. VHS 658

War crimes in former Yugoslavia. 1995. 2 videocassettes (139 min.). Hearings before the Senate Committees on Foreign Relations and on Intelligence provide information on the crimes committed during the civil war in Bosnia. Includes interviews of Bosnian Muslims translated into English by the interpreter, Danica Kamljak. VHS 3913

Wedding song: Henna art among Pakistani women in New York City. 1990. 1 videocassette (41 min.). Shenaz Hooda illustrates the traditional art of mehendi, the henna decoration of women's hands and feet for weddings and other festive occasions. The film includes the ceremonies as well as the Urdu songs (with English sub-titles) that are part of a traditional Ismailite wedding. VHS 1076

West Beyrouth = West Beirut. 1998. 1 videocassette (105 min.). "April 13, 1975: first official day of the Lebanese Civil War. Christian militiamen massacre the passengers of a Palestinian bus in front of Tarek and Omar, two teenagers from West Beirut. The boys, however, are determined to make the most of their youth. Together with May, a Christian girl, they search for adventure. They film everything they see in their battlefield playground on a Super 8 camera. But, gradually, they are drawn into the spiraling violence. Even the "brothel", where Christians and Muslims met in peace, is invaded by the religious conflicts. West Beirut is an account of an adolescence hijacked by war" -- cover. VHS 6532

A Wife from my enemies.  Mirror to the Middle East. 1990. 1 videocassette (59 min.). A sensitive portrayal of three marriages between Arab men and Israeli women. The marriages survive despite a climate of tension and strife, and the cultural, national, and religious divisions between them. VHS 2994

Women and Islam. Islamic conversations. 1994. 1 videocassette (30 min). Leila Ahmed argues the case for revision of the widely-held views of the Islamic world about the role of women, using examples from history and the role played by women in the contemporary society.  She explains the origin of the veil, and discusses the issue of marriage and women's rights within marriage. VHS 6146