For many years, if not centuries, the religion and peoples of Islam have been presented to the world in most unacceptable terms. We have seen the faith of 1.5 billion people demonized by the media, cartoonists, irresponsible civic leaders, political commentators, and others who tend to be either cynical or politically-motivated, or simply uninformed. Like so many Muslims, I have watched with sadness and frustration while the public spotlight has shone on 'radical' and 'extreme' sections of the Muslim world. With the sea of opinions too often associating Islam with terrorism, 'backwardness', oppression of women, and authoritarian theocracies - the divides between the Muslim and non-Muslim world appear to be getting worse, not better.
Some years ago, I heard a Muslim leader say, "Stand up... Speak openly and frankly about what is our interpretation of Islam. Speak about the fraternity and the peace and the respect that we wish from society and we wish to offer society. Speak of the discipline, of the humility, of the care that Islam teaches us." With those words in heart, I faithfully believed it was time to make a documentary about Muslims who respect religious pluralism and live by the principles of peace, tolerance, compassion, generosity, dialogue and forgiveness, above all else. But I also wanted to make a film about Muslim leadership, responding to what some have called an 'authority deficit' in the Muslim world. The image too often seen in newspapers, and on television, is that of ranting and raving, anti-Western clerics. But we hardly hear of progressive Muslim leaders who engage in quiet diplomacy, promote inclusive forms of development, and live exemplary lives in selfless service to others. This essentially is the story of His Highness the Aga Khan and the community of Muslims he leads, the Ismailis.The film is intended to be a timely engagement with the concerns and issues presented above. However, its release also happens to coincide at a time when the Ismailis are commemorating the Golden Jubilee of the Aga Khan, who fifty years ago became their 49th Imam (spiritual leader). As an Ismaili myself, I strongly believe this film needed to be made to tell the inspiring story of the Aga Khan to a wider world. I believe the story of the Aga Khan can be an engaging one and serve as a catalyst for addressing what he calls the clash of ignorance. Can his story point to a solution to the Muslim - non-Muslim world divide?
And on why this had to be an independent documentary? Because it needed to be a piece of integrity! If we are to shape the world for the better through the media, it is imperative that intellectual integrity and courage is at the roots. For that I have to thank my dedicated team: Bill Nemtin, Bill Cran, Jane Chablani, Clive Sydall, Andrea Nemtin, Ali Asani, and Malise Ruthven. You worked tirelessly on this project and for that I thank you.I would also like to express my gratitude to the countless members and leaders of the Ismaili community; to various scholars; to past and present professors and mentors; and, particularly, to friends and family members. Your positivity and ethical judgements are commendable and the world would be a better place if the fear could be replaced with your optimism.
If there is one message that I have endeavored to share through this documentary, it is that each of us should cherish our common humanity, focusing on what unites and looking beyond what divides.
On behalf of the entire team, we hope you enjoy the film.
Shamir Allibhai
Producer
shamir [at] ourbigdreams . org
