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Hazami Barmada's Talk at Dunia Screening February 18, 2009
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DC Muslim Film Festival - Screening: Dunia
Hazami Barmada
2.18.2009
COPYRIGHT 2009 HAZAMI BARMADA. This article may not be reproduced or redistributed without the permission of the author. To obtain permission to redistribute email hazami.barmada@gmail.com
I want to begin by thanking the American Islamic Congress and Project Nur for hosting the DC Muslim Film festival and promoting the arts and artistic expression in the Muslim Community.
I want to begin with talking about the Arts—
Different forms of Art, including film, spoken word, poetry, fine arts, dance, and public speaking, whether directly or indirectly often promote cultural and personal exchange and education about ones views, beliefs, desires, and thoughts. Often artists push viewers to go beyond their comfort level to “think outside the box”. Artistic expression encourages audiences or recipients of this “art” to consider and reflect on what they believe and why the hold those beliefs. It promotes looking at concepts and ideas through different lenses that are inspired and colored by experiences and thoughts that are sometimes different than one’s own.
On another platform, art touches people on a personal level. The beauty of art is that it is a reflection of the self– it allows the artist to dig into their emotions. To dig into their fears. Into their happiness. Into their thoughts. It provides an avenue and vehicle to air our dirty laundry, to express our emotions, to discuss taboo topics like sexuality, self confidence, a disconnect from ones culture and society, and political and social critique. Since it is personal it is something no one can de-legitimize; you may disagree with it, however art is in essence owned by the creator.
Art becomes an outlet for one to act out their thoughts. To channel their feelings into something tangible. Into something that transcends linguistic, cultural and geographic boundaries. To some people, Art gives a voice to their identity -- Paints a picture of their lives, aspirations and visions. I have increasingly noticed that for many artists, art becomes a means to hold onto their cultural roots – which may be overseas. Mediums and styles are often inspirited by the homeland-- Whether it is painting scenes from your childhood or the Mediterranean country side, or using big bold brush strokes and vivid captivating colors. Art absorbs this emotion. It captures people’s narratives on a canvas or in the pages of a book. It is something we can see, touch, feel, hear, relate to (or sometime not relate to) – But even experiencing and interpreting art is an art in and of itself!
The beauty of art is often, it allows you to “preach beyond the choir” – with all the new developments in technology and the internet, blogs, facebook, YouTube, digital galleries, there are no boundaries for how wide spread art can be.
Now we are all aware about the limitations of artistic expression in some cultures and parts of the world – captured by the title of this film festival “Arts Under Fire”. These political, social, economic, religious restrictions are placed on personal and artistic abilities limiting ones freedom, rights, and in more severe cases leading to death, imprisonment, and torture or shunning one from their communities. We hear about several of these cases rooted in the Middle East and Muslim Worlds.
Something that is very important to mention though is that when talking about Islam, it is important to acknowledge the diversity that exists amongst us as Muslims and the practice of Islam as a faith. Islam, like any other religion or faith practice, is influenced by many things including interpretation, political climate, and social/cultural variations– these variables shape the different “flavors” or “colors” of the practice of Islam.
I want to make it very clear that we should also differentiate between Islam as a religion and Muslims as followers of this religion. We all too often blame “Islam” for the actions of Muslims which is damaging to the image of our faith and binds those within our faith to very limited explanations and interpretations of our own religion.
As I see it, the variations in religious practices are similar to the growth of a tree. Take an identical seed and plant them in 2 different environments. The pattern of growth will reflect the different environment. If in a sheltered valley, a tree may grow straight and balanced. That same tree planted on the mountainside exposed to harsh winds and weather might grow twisted and crooked. I say this to say, that in looking at situations, one must not only look at the product, but must also weigh in the environment and other variables that may affect the growth or application of Religion.
Sadly, authors like Ayan Hirsi Ali and other “bashers of Islam” blame religion for this lack of artistic freedom and suppression from personal expression. This strips the political and social context that sometimes breeds this lack of acceptance and appreciation for artistic expression. In the Middle East and Muslim world (grossly fueled by the Western Media) we have a hard time separating politics from religion. The lines where one ends and one starts are often blurred. Sadly, people use religion as justification for unjust political and social means.
I believe that arts are important in promoting not only interfaith and intercultural discussions and agendas, but also more importantly, INTRA faith discussions. We should acknowledge that these problems do exist in our community (and other communities) and it is a challenge and responsibility that each of us must take in educating one another about these issues that divide and limit us – whether though arts, film or any other form of expression. We should utilize diverse artistic mediums to educate ourselves about the diversity that exists in our own community -- And to educate the larger public about the diversity and very colorful and multi-dimensional array of Muslims both in the United States and around the world.
Captured so wonderfully by Malcolm Forbes, “diversity is the art of thinking independently, together”.
I want to draw your attention to an organization that aims to do just this--
Sponsored by Montgomery Country and servicing the DC Metropolitan area, Muslim Women in the Arts is active in painting the face of diversity that exists amongst women – and I don’t mean that literally. The organization aims to provide a support platform for Muslim woman artists to share their pieces and an avenue to discuss them. It also serves as a social mechanism that internally creates a network of Muslim Women artists to grow in our faith—giving us a voice, highlighting and showcasing our uniqueness. On another level, the organization aims to educate the larger public about Muslim woman and Islam. Muslim Women in the Arts, draws in the larger American public to admire and appreciate our unique arts, but also encourages them to ask questions about Islam and Muslim women to debunk stereotypes and strip them of their misconceptions. There is NO one face to Muslims, or women, or people -- And art provides the match to ignite that dialogue in a larger community setting that is not built around an academic, professional or religious discourse, but rather around appreciation for beauty, unique creation, individualism, and depth – sadly, words we do not often hear paired up with “Muslim women” in mainstream America.
As an artist and painter myself—I can say that I feel so alive when I paint. It becomes an outlet to clear my mind. To escape from the busy, stressful and chaotic world that envelops me. Often people say, “well you don’t look ‘Muslim’” – I answer ‘what does a Muslim look like??” – Islam is not a look, a scarf, or a style. Islam is in one’s mind and heart—it is the way you act, the way you treat people, what you choose to do to contribute positively to the world around you, and how you perceive the world around you—Islam is NOT a “look” or a “hijab”.
We as a community should support and promote civic-engagement, artistic expression and personal reflection. We should encourage community members to explore creative and different ways to communicate and express themselves -- to move us, as a community, to a place where we learn to respect our unique qualities as humans, as individuals and as Muslims.
To Project Nur, community activists, artists, and other organizations who are putting a voice to their narrative or giving a voice to those who are muted by their circumstances, I applaud and thank you for your initiatives and courage, “don’t be afraid of pressure, remember that pressure is what turns a lump of coal into a diamond”.
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About the Author
Hazami Barmada is an independent consultant and contractor in Public and Cultural Diplomacy and Interreligious Relations in the Washington DC Area. She maintains expertise on a broad range of issues related to international communications, strategic and organizational management, community and youth development, and civic-engagement.
Barmada is the President of the Progressive Muslim Network and the Council for the Advancement of Muslim Professionals - DC. Additionally she serves on the Board of Directors for the 9/11 Unity Walk and on the International Advisory Board as the Arab/Muslim World Liaison for the High Cloud Foundation.
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COPYRIGHT 2009 HAZAMI BARMADA. This article may not be reproduced or redistributed without the permission of the author. To obtain permission to redistribute email hazami.barmada@gmail.com
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