Arab Film Series online
TIME FOR ILHAN
Online Screening: February 23-26
Free / $5 suggested donation
RSVP at arabfilmseries.org
Available in the United States and Canada
Time for Ilhan, Norah Shapiro, USA, 2018, 89 min
Synopsis: Ilhan Omar, a young, hijab-wearing mother of three, takes on two formidable opponents in a highly contested race for a seat in the Minnesota State Legislature. If successful, she will become the first Somali-American lawmaker in the United States. Similar to the classic tale of David and Goliath, Omar, who is up against a 43-year incumbent, is the “outsider”- a Muslim, refugee, woman of color – seeking to challenge the party’s status quo while simultaneously defying lingering gender norms within her own Muslim community. TIME FOR ILHAN shadows Ilhan and her scrappy group of dedicated campaign staffers throughout the entire campaign’s dramatic uphill battle. A fresh and timely take on the old story of the American Dream, the film offers an inspiring, stereotype- busting portrait of the rise of one of America’s brightest new political stars, and a vision of what is truly possible for women and New Americans in politics today.
The Arab Film Series online is a monthly program of films and discussions with artists and filmmakers from the SWANA region and its diasporas, presented by ArteEast in partnership with the Arab American National Museum and Arab Film and Media Institute.
