Support Local Filmmaker Taking on Islamophobia
CAIR-Chicago has long supported local artists that strive to build understanding through creative work. We encourage Chicago Muslims to do the same by valuing important projects that act to confront the hatred and bigotry that is growing across the nation. Jeremy Silva is a local filmmaker whose newest project hopes to do exactly that.
“I am a storyteller,” Silva says.
“Stories can open eyes, move hearts and change minds. I see filmmaking as a vehicle in which to not only entertain and connect with people, but to instill deeper messages that make an impact. That is why I aim to shake the foundations of religious intolerance and blind hatred in my newest film, Haq.
“Haq sheds a light on those who fell through the cracks during the 15 year post-911 interrogations that resulted not with crucial military intelligence, but the unwarranted torture of many innocents. The film centers on a Pakistani father and son, whose final moment together shoots ripples of violence a decade into the future. This is an eye-opening tale about how inheriting the burdens of our forefathers truly shapes the world we create for ourselves.
“At its core, Haq is about making one of the hardest choices in one’s lifetime—choosing between forgiveness (wholeness) and between revenge and hatred. This film expresses how choosing revenge will only “turn the wheel” that has been spinning for a thousands of years, igniting new generations to take on these burdens. Allowed to continue, this cycle of conditioned hatred will ensnare each new generation, stifling the possibility of coexistence. This film is about the possibility of coexistence, and realizing that we help create our own “enemies”.
“We can have the rare chance to be the voice of the afflicted and keep their stories from being buried in the mass grave of injustice. Tolerance wanes as Islamophobia ignites around the country. We live in a society run on caffeine, complacency and fear. Due to the boldness of its message, many have said that it’s “the wrong time” to make this project. There is no better time than now.
“Our main focus right now is locking in funds for principal photography. We are speaking to individuals who believe in cinema’s power to touch, move and inspire people around the world. We’re asking these “world changers” to see themselves in our project and consider donating to the cause. Our end goal is to get this to the biggest festivals in the world to make sure that these people’s stories never fall through the cracks of history again.”
For more information about the film or to make a donation please visit haqthefilm.com