To change the image of Muslims in films, a British star leads an initiative
Ahmed is the first Muslim to be nominated for an Oscar for Best Actor. AP (archive)
On Thursday, British actor Riz Ahmed launched an initiative to improve the image of Muslims in films, after a study showed that they barely appear or are portrayed in a negative way when they appear.
Ahmed, the "Sound of Metal" star and the first Muslim to be nominated for a Best Actor Oscar, said the Muslim Inclusion initiative would include funding and mentoring Muslim storytellers in the early stages of their work.
"Representation of Muslims on screen fuels the policies that are pursued, the people killed, and the countries invaded," Ahmed said in a statement.
"The data doesn't lie," he said.
This study shows us that the magnitude of the problem in popular films, and its cost, is calculated in terms of potential opportunities wasted and lives lost.”
Ahmed, 38, who was born in London to Pakistani parents, said providing funding would be a game-changer by bringing more Muslim actors, writers and producers into the film and television industry.
"If I had not received a scholarship and also a special donation, I would not have been able to enroll in a college to learn drama," he added.
The $25,000 grants to young Muslim artists will be overseen by an advisory panel that includes actor Mahershala Ali, actor Ramy Youssef and comedian Hassan Minhaj.
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