Documentry Series
Email jawad.mir [at] me dot com for wire transfer instruction
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Indicate it’s to PILLARS - A Documentary on Pillars of islam Donations are tax-exempt to U.S. tax payers.
What does it mean to be Muslim in the modern world? PILLARS follows five individuals, who ask themselves this question as they undergo a journey of self-discovery to reconcile their place in society with their Muslim identity
After 9-11 there is a palpable shift in how Muslims are perceived. Communities in the west are subject to blame and suspicion and many Muslim countries and regions suffer wars, occupations and misunderstanding. To this day Muslims often feel stigmatized by the outside world but also under pressure from inside their own communities. The voices expressing this predicament have been few and far between, leaving many feeling isolated and caught between worlds.
Pillars is a 5 part documentary series that showcases five individuals, each of whom undergoes a journey of self-discovery through the apparent contradictions while looking for their place in the modern world. Pillars explores the specific and universal qualities of this quest for identity and belonging.
The show is loosely structured around The Five Pillars – which are the fundamental tenets of Islam – using them as metaphors while looking for the common ground between moderate and conservative voices.
The story takes us around the world, from the United States, Iran, Pakistan, France, Kenya, United Kingdom, and ultimately Saudi Arabia. Each protagonist’s journey highlights the social, spiritual and metaphorical significance of one particular Pillar within the context of their personal experience. Experts on history, culture, media representation and religion will lend context to the episodes.
EPISODE 1
(SHAHADA)
We will delve into the Profession of Faith (Shahada) through the eyes of our protagonist, tracing their journey as they explore Islam as a way of life. This episode serves as the cornerstone for the series, addressing pivotal themes such as Islam’s place in the modern world, the rights of women within the faith, and what Islam offers to those from diverse religious or secular backgrounds, including Judaism, Christianity, and secularism. This exploration will pave the way for insightful and thought-provoking discussions in the episodes ahead.
EPISODE 2
(Salat)
Muslims perform prayers facing Mecca five times a day: at dawn, noon, mid-afternoon, sunset, and after nightfall. Each prayer includes a recitation of the opening chapter (Sura) of the Qur’an and is often performed on a small rug or mat designated for this purpose. In Episode 2, our protagonist will come to understand the deeper meaning of prayer through specific events and experiences, highlighting the significance of prayer and the connection it fosters with God.
EPISODE 3
(ZAKAT)
In Islam, Muslims contribute a fixed portion of their income to help those in need. Historically, rulers and wealthy Muslims have also built mosques, drinking fountains, hospitals, schools, and other institutions as both an act of religious duty and a way to attain the blessings associated with charity. In Episode 3, our protagonist grapples with the concept of Zakat while navigating their own struggles within the larger framework of life. Through their personal journey, we uncover how their purpose is ultimately shaped and fulfilled.
EPISODE 4
(sawm)
During the daylight hours of Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, all healthy adult Muslims are required to fast, refraining from food and drink. This temporary deprivation helps renew their awareness and gratitude for all that God has provided, including the Qur’an, which was first revealed during this month. Through fasting, Muslims experience the hunger and thirst of the less fortunate, serving as a reminder of their religious duty to assist those in need. In Episode 4, our protagonist will come to understand the deeper meaning of sacrifice through fasting and other aspects of Ramadan, discovering how these practices serve to fulfill their life’s purpose.
EPISODE 5
(HAJJ)
During the daylight hours of Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, all healthy adult Muslims are required to fast, abstaining from food and drink. This temporary deprivation allows them to renew their gratitude for everything God has provided, including the Qur’an, which was first revealed during this month. Ramadan also offers Muslims the opportunity to experience the hunger and thirst of those in need, serving as a reminder of their religious duty to support the less fortunate. In Episode 5, our protagonist will come to understand the profound significance of Hajj (the pilgrimage) by journeying to Mecca. They will explore how the essence of Islam is encapsulated within the Kaaba, deepening their connection to the faith.
Email jawad.mir [at] me dot com for wire transfer instruction
Crowdfunding - Comming Soon
Indicate it’s to PILLARS - A Documentary on Pillars of islam Donations are tax-exempt to U.S. tax payers.
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Jawad Mir is an Award Winning Filmmaker who has been making films for the last 10 years. His work has won several awards at International Film Festivals. His work has been shown at Universities all over the world as well as Embassies and US Capitol Hill. Some of his work which has been acquired by The Orchard including Citizen of Moria, In Search of My Sister, Baristas and Only 78 can be seen on Amazon, Kanopy and other Streaming Platforms.
Sumeyyah Mir is a producer whose films have been shown all over the world. Her work includes on films like Baristas, Only 78, In Search of My Sister and Citizen of Moria that are currently streaming on Amazon and Kanopy
Hemal Trivedi is an internationally celebrated filmmaker for over 15 years. Her work has won one Oscar, three Emmys and seven Emmy nominations, a nomination for MTV Movie Awards, nominations for Independent Spirits Awards and Cinema Eye Award. She has won over 30 other prestigious awards and honors. Her work has been broadcast on Netflix, HBO, PBS (Frontline and Independent Lens), YouTube Red, Channel 4 and several other broadcast venues.
BEN ADDELMAN makes documentary films, television, and commercials. He is the director and producer of four awardwinning feature documentaries. These films have all screened in competition at major festivals including Sundance, Hot Docs, Edinburgh, Human Rights Watch NYC, Durban, Whistler and many more. His work has been broadcast on Apple TV+, Disney +, Netflix, BBC, Viceland, CBC, Sundance Channel, National Geographic, and others
Roger Singh is a Producer and Cinematographer based out of Canada & USA. His work includes The Pirate Tapes (HBO Documentary Films). His other works include ‘PayDay Houston’ (Vice), Baristas (Samuel L. Goldwyn) and Becoming You (Warner Bros/Apple TV +)
