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Popular rhetoric supposes Western and Islamic “civilizations” are bound to “clash.” But is this true?
This micro-documentary explores a heart-touching friendship between Molly (American) and Anum (Pakistan) as well as the positive and sometimes challenging experiences of two other Muslim exchange students in America.
Millions of Muslims around the world are being demonized as “extremists” or “terrorists” because of the heinous acts of a few. Much of this is fueled when media, politicians, and religious leaders present conflicts as binary oppositions—good vs. evil.
As these Muslim youth mature amidst this global context, they find themselves struggling to dissociate themselves from extremism. Western youth approach adulthood pre-conditioned to fear Muslims. Likewise, young Muslims often perceive Western youth as unanimously materialistic, immoral, and arrogant—devoid of family values, faith, and honor.
My motivation in creating this short film was to “love my neighbor” as Jesus taught. It’s that simple. Muslims are my neighbor and yours, too. Breaking down harmful stereotypes in all directions is good for everyone. It helps us see each other as we are—people. Remember, we can disagree on our theology and agree on our humanity.
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called the sons and daughters of God.” - Jesus
Directed & Produced by Mario Mattei
Edited by Peter Bergmeier
Photography & Graphics by Mario Mattei
Animation by Peter Bergmeier
Audio by Peter Bergmeier
Learn more about: Mario Mattei
Mario Mattei, visionary, social entrepreneur, independent photographer, documentary filmmaker & family man. He is the President & Co-Founder of the both the International Guild of Visual Peacemakers (IGVP) and Visual Peace Media. At age 4 he declared, “The way to know the future is to plan ahead.” In kindergarten he stayed in from recess to draw. When his father took him camping & hunting in Arizona, he shouldered a camera. Educated at the Art Institute of Phoenix in Creative Multimedia, Mario began professional life as a web designer and creative director. On the side, he pursued photography, published poetry, wrote…
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