"New Muslim Cool" screens across the world

USC Annenberg alumna Jennifer Taylor’s (Specialized Journalism ’11) documentary film “New Muslim Cool” is continuing to be screened worldwide. The documentary has been selected to stream on Netflix; NHK in Japan, Polksa TV in Poland, and Sundance Channel in Canada will also broadcast the film. “New Muslim Cool” chronicles the tough journey of Puerto Rican-American Hamza Perez. For the past 12 years, the former rapper and drug dealer has been rebuilding his life as a devoted Muslim. Hamza leaves his rough history and moves to Pittsburgh to raise his two young children. While he struggles to adjust to his new lifestyle, Hamza also strives to bring religion to Pittsburgh’s North Side youth, a violent, crime-laden community. After a series of hardships and challenges, Hamza is able to build a Muslim commune through his inspirational music. However, Hamza’s life is turned upside down when 9/11 hits America. The catastrophe dramatically changes the American outlook on Muslims; Hamza is personally affected when the FBI raids his mosque. Instead of allowing the post-9/11 sentiments bring him down, Hamza develops a stronger faith. He also finds comfort in reaching out to members of Jewish and Christian communities. Taylor's documentary has been described as “spellbinding” and “inherently complex but strikingly American.” UN Goodwill Ambassador Salman Ahmad has even said that the film “moved me deeply both a visceral and spiritual level.” "New Muslim Cool" has won numerous honors, including the Documentary Competition Award at the San Francisco International Film Festival and the Freedom Award at the International Documentary Festival in Qatar. Taylor and her team have been holding panel discussions centered around race, culture, and religion at the film’s worldwide screenings. Campus Progress and Active Voice have also given the documentary their support at the events. Taylor’s next research project, From Street Knowledge to College, an online series, will air on PBS.org in the spring.