MUSLIMS IN AMERICA
Muslim Filmmaker Looks at Social Issues with Humor, Warmth (August 13, 2008)
Lena Khan directs award-winning short films, music videos, commercials
By Serena Kim
Special Correspondent
Los Angeles -- On a parched August afternoon in Los Angeles, Lena Khan peruses the aisles of Hand Prop Room, a company that supplies stage props for major Hollywood movies such as The Aviator and The Departed. From faux meat carcasses to bronze Thai Buddhas, the shelves are stuffed with gizmos, gadgets and curiosities that help make the magic of cinema. Wearing a pale green headscarf and a demure beige cardigan, Khan discovers and unsheathes a two-foot long ninja sword with a mischievous look on her round, pale face. "This will work," she says.
Though she defies expectations of what a filmmaker should look like -- she is young, female, devoutly Muslim and Indian American -- the 24-year-old film school graduate writes and directs music videos and short films, as well as commercials for a restaurant called Crave. (In one ad, a ninja throws whirling samosas). (more)
Archive:
- Indian, Pakistani Youth Plant “Seeds of Peace” – July 18, 2008
- Young People Are Seen as Key to Success of Interfaith Efforts - July 17, 2008
- A Teenager’s View of Islam in America - July 7, 2008
- Arab-American Writers Reveal Life’s Richness and Frustrations - July 7, 2008
- My America: The New World - May 2, 2008
- Arab Americans Present “Spirit of Humanity” Awards - April 23, 2008
- New Encyclopedia Celebrates Arab-American Artists - March 3, 2008
- First U.S. Envoy to Organization of the Islamic Conference Named
Pakistani-born businessman to represent America to 57-nation Muslim group - February 27, 2008 - Students from Muslim-Majority Countries Discuss Islam in America -February 26, 2008
- Muslim Student Discusses Teaching Others About Islam - February 7, 2008
- Bangladeshi American Is First Muslim Chaplain in Marine Corps -February 4, 2008
- Muslim Navy Chaplain Will Discuss U.S. Life, Bangladesh Relief - January 25, 2008
[Last update on August 14, 2008]
