ex:Change – Overcoming Stereotypes in America is an important new documentary that is asks the question
Popular rhetoric supposes Western and Islamic “civilizations” are bound to “clash.” But is this true?
Mario Mattei and Peter Bergmeier are seeking funding via Kickstarter for this project. They aim to reach US$3740 by August 27th to allow the documentary to go ahead. I recently pledged some funds for them and I’d like to ask all my readers here to also contribute. Below is an overview of the project but first, here’s a quick intro video.
The proposed micro-documentary will reveal a heart-touching friendship between Molly (American) and Anum (Pakistan) as well as the positive and sometimes challenging experiences from four other Muslim exchange students in America (from Palestine, Sierra Leone, & Pakistan).
Millions of Muslims around the world are being demonized as “extremists” or “terrorists.” Much of this is fueled when media, politicians, and religious leaders present conflicts as binary oppositions–good vs. evil.
As these Muslim youth mature amidst this global context, they find themselves struggling to dissociate themselves from extremism. Western youth approach adulthood pre-conditioned to fear Muslims. Likewise, young Muslims often perceive Western youth as unanimously materialistic, immoral, and arrogant–devoid of family values, faith, and honor.
This story explores:
How have American students embraced, rejected, or feared their Muslim guests at school?
What stereotypes did these Muslim students have about Americans?
How do these young Muslims feel misunderstood by the West & what are they doing about it?
How do Molly and Anum’s different faiths divide them or inspire them to be friends?
Can friendships and dialogue amongst Western and Islamic youth uncover real hope and challenge the claims of an immanent “clash of civilizations”?
The initial phases of this project have been pursued on volunteer hours. In order to complete the documentary, we need to raise $3,740 USD. The story will be featured on the visualpeacemakers.org homepage, shared widely through social media, and made available for use by several non-profit peacemaking organizations such as Peace Catalyst International.
Breakdown of costs:
Directing & filming / Image processing = 1400
Video Editing & coloring = $1400
Motion Graphics = $400
Music, Royalty Free = $100
Admin, shipping, misc. = $100
Kickstarter & processing fees = $340
TOTAL $3,740 USD
Credits
Directed & Produced by Mario Mattei
Edited by Peter Bergmeier
Graphics by Peter Bergmeier
Photography by Mario Mattei
Audio by Peter Bergmeier
To pledge some funds, follow this link to the Kickstarter page.
