 "Photo: Photo Courtesy of Marquis Gibson, Copy Chief")
Qasim Basir, a native of Ann Arbor, Mich., spoke to the Howard Players,
Howard University's premier acting troupe, on his struggles as a starving artist and
the inspirations behind his 2010 independent film, Mooz-lum. Last night, he granted
the Howard community a chance to view a screening of the film that he both wrote
and directed.
Mooz-lum, which stars Evan Ross, Nia Long, Danny Glover, Roger Guevneur
Smith, and many actors with explosive talent, tells the story of an African-American
Muslim family who struggle to uphold their faith and religious identity amidst a
harsh society before and immediately following the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
Howard students and alumni packed the lower level of Locke Hall to view
Basir's work and engage in meaningful dialogue on the subject. Dr. Greg Carr, chair
of the African-American studies department, moderated some of the discussion.
Students were also charged before the screening began by Ray Baker of Howard's
WHUR XM radio station.
"Culturally, people of the African Diaspora are kin to each other," Baker said.
He encouraged the students the view the film as an experience pertinent to people
of African descent. He also brought up the term ‘cultural continuity', which describes
the cycle of behaviors that continue throughout cultures, further motivating
students to think past their concerns.
Directly after the viewing, students met Qasim Basir and asked their
questions to glean knowledge from the writer/director. While some viewers
believed that his depiction of the black male was harsh, others found it authentic
and inspiring.
"I was surprised and delighted with his honesty about himself and his
craft. In the film, I appreciated the fact that he personalized the film but it became
universal. He was able to touch so many people…because there was a principle that
everyone can relate to," said Stephanie Pounds, a sophomore theatre arts acting
major.
Basir also gave his advice to the artists who attended the event. He stated
that he only believes his art is good when his heart is in it. Actors, writers,
filmmakers, students of the Muslim faith and interested Howard students engaged
in dialogue about the seriousness of the film industry, the pros and cons of filming
Mooz-lum, and the importance of the craft.
"There are no more conscious films anymore," Basir said. "There aren't
any ‘Spike Lee's' anymore. Basir, who launched his career through social
networking, encouraged the Bison to stay committed to the duty as artists and social
activists.
"Do not quit because you're going to want to," Basir said. "However, there is
nothing more rewarding than you (Howard students) seeing something that you can
potentially benefit from."
More information can be found about the film and his upcoming projects via FaceBook and Twitter.
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