Film and Dialogue: Talking Through Walls

Sponsored by the 20,000 Dialogues, a project of Unity Productions Foundation, Talking Through Walls: How the Struggle to Build a Mosque Unites a Community is a compelling story of the American spirit. The film is set for launch on public television in 2009. A facilitated dialogue will follow the 1 hour screening.

The film takes viewers into the life and struggle of Zia Rahman, a determined but ailing man, who sets out to build a mosque in his suburban community. Against the backdrop of post 9/11 fears that threaten to scuttle the project, a coalition forms that includes a Catholic Priest, two Rabbis, and a Buddhist, who join Zia to support his efforts. There’s power in their union and they ultimately succeed in helping to get the mosque built, revealing the best of American ideals at one of the most difficult times in American history. Now Zia is a tireless advocate of interreligious understanding and the mosque frequently hosts interfaith events.

The film explores some of the difficulties faced by American Muslims since post 9/11 and shows how American patriotism is not only reflected in an outward projection of our strength, but also by the defense of our values, especially the bedrock value of liberty and justice for all.

20,000 Dialogues is a nationwide initiative that uses discussions about films to promote pluralism, dialogue, and civic engagement. A particular focus of its current work is to build greater understanding of Muslims through films and conversation. 20,000 Dialogues uses Unity Productions Foundation’s (UPF) award winning films and provides the materials people need to participate in dialogues that further the American ideals of inclusiveness and positive civic action.

The lack of familiarity with Muslims undermines the quality of civic life for all Americans. By enabling people to watch and discuss a film about Muslims, 20,000 Dialogues builds relationships across faiths and cultures, even at a time when current events cause tension.