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American Arab

In the days after 9/11, Usama Alshaibi’s mother suggested that he change his name. Suddenly, Usama’s name was not solely his own. He unfortunately shared it with a criminal mastermind.

In American Arab, the Iraqi-American filmmaker will share his own story and introduce us to others, sparking a frank conversation about the identity of, and perceptions about, Arab-Americans. Seamlessly weaving historical footage, animation, as well as real-life scenes of people living as Arabs in the U.S., the film will put a human face on the vague complexities of racism in post-9/11 America.

What does it mean to be an Arab living in America today?

Arab-Americans are not one monolithic group, but rather a diverse and complex array of many voices and cultures. By making a coherent and entertaining documentary on the Arab-American life and experience, we hope to educate as well as inform audiences on this contemporary American story.

American Arab is a project of Kartemquin's first Diversity Fellowship, sponsored by The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation and The Ford Foundation.

Click here to support this film.

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Watch teaser clip 1: "Hijab" and teaser clip 2: "Taqwacore".

American Arab Demo from Kartemquin Films on Vimeo.

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Illinois Humanities Council funds American Arab

January 12, 2012

The Illinois Humanities Council has awarded a grant of $5,000 to in-progress Kartemquin Documentary American Arab.

Here is a statement from director/producer Usama Alshaibi and Associate Producer Tristan Hanson:

"Arab American is thrilled to announce a $5,000 grant from the Illinois Humanities Council in support of the project. We want to thank the Council for their vote of confidence, which has been a great boost to our spirits as we move full speed ahead with our 2012 fundraising efforts."

American Arab asks: "What does it mean to be an Arab living in America today?" and is currently in post-prdocution. You can help support the completion of the film by donating here.

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Producer/Director: Usama Alshaibi
Executive Producers: Gordon Quinn; Justine Nagan
Associate Producer: Tristan Hanson