UK Muslim Film
In the dynamic and ever-evolving landscape of the UK film and TV industry, there is a remarkable group that stands at the forefront of change, committed to reshaping the narrative and promoting positive representation of Muslims on screen. Meet UK Muslim Film, a visionary organization led by director Sajid Varda, who is dedicated to championing authenticity, diversity, and integrity in storytelling. Their mission? To challenge stereotypes, bridge cultural divides, and ensure that Muslim voices and experiences are accurately and positively portrayed in the media.
UK Muslim Film brings together their extensive experience within the industry to raise the bar when it comes to the depiction of Muslim religious and cultural communities. With a deep understanding of the richness and complexity of Muslim beliefs and practices, they provide invaluable guidance and advice to production companies, scriptwriters, and decision-makers, aiming to foster greater understanding, empathy, and connection through authentic storytelling.
Recognizing the profound impact that negative portrayals of Muslims can have on real-world attitudes, UK Muslim Film emerges as a vital force for change. In an era where anti-Muslim sentiment persists, their tireless efforts to challenge and reshape narratives become all the more crucial. By working with the industry to achieve more nuanced and truthful representations, they seek to counter harmful stereotypes and foster a more inclusive and empathetic society.
We speak with Sajid Varda, the group’s Founder/CEO to find more about their work.
1) What is UK Muslim Film and what is its mission?
I started UK Muslim Film out of pure frustration. It broke my heart to see how Muslims and Islam were constantly portrayed in a negative light. It felt like my faith was being wielded as a weapon to create false perceptions. The beautiful call to prayer, the adhan, which brings a sense of peace to our hearts, was being used to signal acts of terrorism in movies, associating it with evil. Even the sacred words 'Allahu Akbar,' spoken in moments of devotion and prayer, were plastered across tabloid headlines alongside images of terrorism. These distorted associations only solidified the misguided belief that Islam and Muslims were synonymous with terror and murder.
That's why I established UK Muslim Film. Our mission is simple yet powerful: to promote genuine and authentic representations of Muslims on screen. We aim to be a guiding force for industry professionals, advocating for accurate portrayals, providing advice, and working for better representation across all areas of production. We want to revolutionise the way Muslims are depicted on screen, ensuring that our experiences are showcased in all their richness and complexity.
At the core of our work is the belief in the power of storytelling. We strive to build a tight-knit community of filmmakers who are deeply committed to telling authentic stories. We want to capture the true essence of the Muslim experience, resonating with both Muslim and non-Muslim audiences alike. By doing so, we aim to foster a more inclusive media landscape that reflects the true diversity of our society.
2) Why is there a need for a group like this?
The way Muslims are depicted negatively on screen truly hits close to home for us. Our communities are directly impacted by these portrayals, especially with the increasing wave of anti-Muslim sentiment and the constant vilification we witness in the media. This urgency fueled our determination to establish an organization that would confront these issues head-on.
All forms of media possess incredible influence over shaping people's perceptions, particularly when it comes to minority ethnic communities. That's why it's crucial to have an organization like ours that can guide the industry in achieving authentic and nuanced portrayals. We strive to create a more accurate reflection of our communities, one that goes beyond stereotypes and biases.
When Muslim audiences see themselves authentically represented on screen, it makes them feel valued. It's a profound validation of our experiences and identities. This genuine portrayal fosters a powerful and trusting bond between audiences and the industry, paving the way for positive change and mutual understanding.
3) UKMF is on a quest for a better portrayal of Muslim stories. Can you tell us what authentic representation look like?
We seek genuine and impartial portrayals that showcase human qualities. We want Muslim individuals to be the focal point of their own stories, not just supporting characters in broader narratives, and not just presented from a white perspective. The repetition of the same kind of representation can make people less empathetic and humane, as media depictions can be heavily biased. The reason we support Muslim writers being given prominent roles in crafting Muslim storylines is because they possess a deep understanding of the "Muslim experience" and can create authentic narratives. Furthermore, it is our hope to see greater representation of Muslim professionals in the screen industries, including directors, producers, directors of photography, heads of department and more importantly in decision-making roles in order to expand the Muslim perspective beyond just what is captured on camera.
4) Ramadan this year started on the 23rd of March, you created a fantastic resource for the Film and TV Charity on how to support our Muslim film & TV colleagues during Ramadan. Can you tell us how this great idea came about?
We are really excited to be working with the Film & TV Charity on this industry first guide. With the kind support of Alex and the team, we held our very first 'The Networker' event for creatives working in the screen industries. We were sold out within 48 hours and the event was an incredible success. Everyone talked about the amazing atmosphere and a real sense of community that attendees felt. As Ramadan was approaching the team wanted to know if we would collaborate further by working on a guide to help employers and colleagues understand the importance of Ramadan and how best to support Muslims observing the month of fasting. This guide was distributed across both the Uk and US. We were thrilled by what was produced and the industry feedback was fantastic. I have never had so many industry friends wish me 'Ramadan Mubarak'!
5) Sajid, you are a dad, an actor, a writer, a producer and CEO of UKMF. How do you juggle your family and professional life?
With grace and poise of course! My faith helps me to prioritise my life which means that my family always comes first. I'm truly blessed to have an amazing wife who supports me in countless ways, enabling me to dedicate myself to running the charity, engaging in consulting work, and producing film and TV projects. Our shared ambition is to create a lasting legacy for our children and to change the landscape for future generations.
6) Representation is particularly important for children, what positive examples can we share with our kids? Are there any shows that you would recommend?
Growing up, I was captivated by timeless shows like Rainbow, Sesame Street, Grange Hill, and Byker Grove. It's funny how life works, as I eventually found myself playing a lead role in one of them! Even now, depending on a child's age, I still find joy in watching shows like Thomas the Tank Engine, Mr Tumble, Postman Pat, Bluey, Molly and Mack, and, for the younger viewers, In the Night Garden.
What I truly appreciate about these shows is their ability to teach valuable morals and showcase good character, all while bringing laughter to the kids. It's important to me that children's television reflects diversity, and I hope to see more inclusive shows in the future.
On that note, I'm thrilled to share that we're currently working on an exciting project: bringing the beloved Planet Omar series of books by the talented author Zanib Mian to our TV screens. This will be an incredible live-action animated series for kids, and I couldn't be more proud to have it produced by the amazing team at Lime Pictures. Keep an eye out for updates—something fantastic is coming your way!
7) What advice would you give to any other industry fathers who might be currently struggling with work/life balance?
Finding a balance between work and family can be quite challenging, especially for us fathers working in the screen industry. While there's no one-size-fits-all solution, I'd like to share some advice based on my own experiences.
First and foremost, it's crucial to prioritize your family. Even though I'm passionate about my work and it never feels like a chore to me, I always ensure that my family comes first. I structure my work and schedule meetings around family time, making sure I'm available for when my kids need me.
Bedtimes hold a special place in my heart. I make it a priority to snuggle up with my kids, creating a cozy space for conversations. These intimate talks allow us to bond and share our thoughts, making lasting memories together.
One important lesson I've learned over the years is to appreciate each day as it comes and not to obsess over the future. In Islam, we are taught that while we should put in sincere efforts, the ultimate outcome of our endeavors rests in God's hands. So, it's essential to find a sense of peace and trust that everything will happen when it's meant to.
Remember, spending quality time with our loved ones is precious beyond measure. Those moments create lasting impressions and treasured memories for our children. So, take a deep breath, relax, and enjoy the present with your family. Trust that your sincere efforts will bear fruit, and embrace the joy that comes from being fully present in the lives of your loved ones.