CBC Gem documentary challenges stereotypes with intimate look at Muslim converts
A powerful new documentary, So You Want to Be a Muslim, is now available for streaming on CBC Gem, offering viewers a rare and intimate look into the lives of five North Americans who have converted to Islam.
Directed by Hoda Elatawi and produced by GAPC Entertainment, the film streams on CBC Gem.
The documentary arrives at a time of increasing misinformation and rising Islamophobia, providing a nuanced perspective that challenges common misconceptions about the faith.
Instead of focusing on why people convert, the film delves into the personal journeys of "new" Muslims as they navigate complex issues such as family reactions and societal prejudice in the West.
A human-centred approach to faith
Elatawi and the production team followed the subjects for eight years, documenting their spiritual explorations and personal transformations.
The film highlights the diversity of these experiences, which include a former Catholic and a woman from a culturally Jewish family.
This human-centered storytelling invites audiences to see beyond stereotypes and connect with the universal quest for meaning and identity.
"The deeply personal stories revealed by the diverse group of people in the film may help break stereotypes and challenge preconceived notions about Islam," said director Hoda Elatawi, acknowledging the prevalence of negative labels often associated with the faith in mainstream dialogue.
Critical reception and significance
The film has been noted for its timely and impactful approach, with some observers suggesting that Elatawi "is holding a mirror up to society".
The documentary encourages viewers to confront their own biases and prejudices by prioritizing the personal stories of the converts.
The feature-length documentary was also a Hot Docs Partners film.
Its release aligns with Islamic Heritage Month in Canada, providing an opportunity for broader dialogue and education.
Viewers can stream So You Want to Be a Muslim now on CBC Gem.