Top 10 Films About Muslims

Description: An epic historical drama depicting the life and times of the Prophet Muhammad, offering a respectful portrayal of early Islamic history.

Fact: The film was made with the approval of Islamic scholars to ensure accuracy and respect for Islamic teachings. It was also one of the first films to use a split-screen technique to show events happening simultaneously.

Description: This film, based on Khaled Hosseini's novel, explores themes of friendship, betrayal, and redemption set against the backdrop of Afghanistan's turbulent history, offering a poignant look at Muslim life.

Fact: The film was shot in China due to security concerns in Afghanistan. It also features scenes where the characters speak in Dari, a Persian dialect spoken in Afghanistan.

Description: An animated film based on Marjane Satrapi's graphic novel, it provides a personal account of growing up in Iran during and after the Islamic Revolution, offering a unique perspective on Muslim life.

Fact: The film was co-directed by Vincent Paronnaud, who had never directed a film before. It was also the first non-American animated film to be nominated for an Academy Award for Best Animated Feature.

Description: This Bollywood film follows an Indian Muslim man with Asperger's syndrome as he travels across the U.S. to meet the President, showcasing the challenges faced by Muslims post-9/11.

Fact: Shahrukh Khan, who plays the lead, did extensive research on Asperger's syndrome to portray the character authentically. The film was shot in multiple locations including Los Angeles and San Francisco.

Description: Based on Mohsin Hamid's novel, this film examines the identity crisis of a Pakistani man in post-9/11 America, reflecting on cultural identity and the Muslim experience in the West.

Fact: The film was shot in Lahore, Pakistan, and New York City, providing an authentic backdrop to the story. It was also the first feature film directed by Mira Nair to be shot in Pakistan.

Description: While not exclusively about Muslims, it features a subplot involving a Muslim character, highlighting the cultural and religious diversity of early 20th-century Australia.

Fact: The film was shot in New Zealand, standing in for Australia. It also features a scene where the Muslim character's heritage is explored through his family's history.

Description: This film tells the story of an Indian Muslim family who opens a restaurant in France, exploring themes of cultural integration, rivalry, and culinary arts.

Fact: The film was shot in various locations in France, including Saint-Antonin-Noble-Val. It also features a scene where the protagonist learns to cook traditional French dishes.

Description: A Palestinian film that explores themes of love, betrayal, and resistance in the context of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, focusing on a young Palestinian freedom fighter.

Fact: It was Palestine's submission for the Best Foreign Language Film at the 86th Academy Awards, where it was nominated. The film was shot in the West Bank.

Description: An American professor's life changes when he meets a Syrian musician and his Senegalese wife, offering a narrative on immigration, identity, and the Muslim experience in the U.S.

Fact: The film was shot in New York City, with many scenes filmed in the apartment where the story unfolds. It also features authentic djembe drumming by the actor playing the Syrian musician.

Description: An Iranian drama that delves into the complexities of family life, legal issues, and moral dilemmas within a Muslim context, highlighting the cultural nuances of Tehran's society.

Fact: It was the first Iranian film to win the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film. The film's director, Asghar Farhadi, wrote the script in just 11 days.