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.
World Premiere of clips from American Arab to screen at August 5th fundraiser
July 2, 2010
Director Usama Alshaibi will premiere exclusive clips from his in-progress Kartemquin documentary American Arab at a fundraising party for the film in Chicago on August 5th at the Stan Mansion. The event will also feature music by Black Bear Combo, Middle Eastern Food, a Cash Bar (with 1 free drink on entry), Raffle, Belly Dancing, and Henna Tattoos. Tickets are available now and cost $40 in advance, $50 on the door.
American Arab questions what it means to be an Arab living in America today by telling Usama's own story and that of 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.
If you are unable to attend but would like to support the film, click here to donate.
- Producer/Director
- Usama Alshaibi
- Executive Producers
- Gordon Quinn
- Justine Nagan
- Co-Producer
- Rachel Pikelny
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