Black Lily’s Planet Rock Film Series and Scribe Video Center present New Muslim Cool, an award winning documentary about a Puerto Rican rapper who changed his life from being a street hustler to community activist. Takes place November 17, 2009 at 7:00pm. Director Jennifer Maytorena Taylor. will be in person for Q&A after the film. Scribe is also hosting a special Producer’s Forum preceding the screening at 5:30pm, where she will discuss fundraising, research, and distribution.
New Muslim Cool
November 17, 2009
International House – 3701 Chestnut Street
Producer’s Forum: 5:30pm
Screening: 7:00pm
THE FILM
Puerto Rican American rapper Hamza Pérez ended his life as a drug dealer 12 years ago, and started down a new path as a young Muslim. Now he’s moved to Pittsburgh’s tough North Side to start a new religious community, rebuild his shattered family, and take his message of faith to other young people through his uncompromising music as part of the hip-hop duo M-Team. Raising his two kids as a single dad and longing for companionship, Hamza finds love on a Muslim networking website and seizes the chance for happiness in a second marriage. But when the FBI raids his mosque, Hamza must confront the realities of the post-9/11 world, and challenge himself. He starts reaching for a deeper understanding of his faith, discovering new connections with people from Christian and Jewish communities. NEW MUSLIM COOL takes viewers on Hamza’s ride through the streets, projects and jail cells of urban America, following his spiritual journey to some surprising places — where we can all see ourselves reflected in a world that never stops changing. Philadelphia Premiere. Tickets: $5 Scribe and IHouse members; $8 students+ seniors; $10 general admission. Purchase online!
MEET THE DIRECTOR
In this special topic lecture, Jennifer Maytorena Taylor will take the class through a case study of New Muslim Cool, her award winning documentary about Hamza Pérez, a Puerto Rican rapper who changed his life from being a street hustler and started down a new path as a young Muslim. From the initial steps of production fundraising and researching the subject matter to synthesizing the story and character developments, Ms. Taylor will share the experience of over four years of production and editing. She will also talk about the process of national distribution, local and national marketing techniques and how social networking has played a part in this film’s development. Fee: $10. $8 for Scribe Members
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