Haroon Moghul

Many commentators have assumed that somehow Egypt would follow Iran’s unique trajectory.

The next best thing to a living, breathing Muslim is an approximation of one—that is, the silver screen. Why not? Movies explore the lives and experiences of Muslims in a format that can be watched as easily at home as on the train. Plus, a lineup of cool movies, foreign and domestic, will only make you, your friends, or your community look intimidatingly more sophisticated.

An interview with Sarah Zerina Usmen, of Outsourced: “I’ve noticed that in casting calls women are still cast according to descriptions like ‘hot surfer chick.’ For one of my films I’d love to make a casting call for a non-alcoholic, burka-wearing troll and throw them all off!”