In the Name of God, the Compassionate and Infinitely Merciful 

There is so much that fellow Americans do not know about Islam. In fact, a recent poll stated that almost 60% of Americans say they do not even know a Muslim. Yet, there is so much more to Islam than its tenets and the Muslims who follow the faith to varying degrees, although getting to know that is quite important. There is a rich history of culture and art, despite the contention and perception that Islam is hostile to art and culture.

Enter the award-winning nonprofit Unity Productions Foundation. It is set to release a new film, Islamic Art: Mirror of the Invisible World, that will bring the immense legacy of art and architecture that Islam has left the world to glorious life. It will broadcast nationally on PBS on July 6th at 9:oo PM EST as part of the new PBS Arts Summer Festival, a multi-part weekly series that will take viewers across the country and around the world.

The film is narrated by actor Susan Sarandon, and it will take viewers across fourteen centuries of history and nine countries to showcase Islamic art and architecture. From the Taj Mahal to Arabic calligraphy, Islamic Art will show in stunning beauty the rich and diverse nature of Islam and its cultures, and it will showcase the past and continued contribution of Islamic culture to society and world civilization.

“I believe all viewers, Muslim and non-Muslims alike, will be pleasantly surprised with what our film uncovers,” states Alex Kronemer, Executive Producer of the film. “As a window into an often misunderstood culture, this film has the ability to be a real catalyst for understanding and perhaps offer a new perspective on Islam’s values, culture and lasting legacy,” says Kronemer. Michael Wolfe, the film’s other Executive Producer, says: “Never before have viewers had the opportunity to explore such richness of Islamic art and history with commentary from some of the world’s most renowned experts who have the ability to explain just why these works are so important.” 

Both Wolfe and Kronemer are personal friends, and I am in awe at their amazing work in the field of television and film. This film is the ninth by UPF, which was founded in 1999 to create peace through media. UPF produces documentary films for both television and online broadcast as well as theatrical release, and it implements long-term educational campaigns aimed at increasing understanding between people of different faiths and cultures, especially between Muslims and other faiths. More information is at www.upf.tv.

Don’t miss this incredible film about Islamic art and culture. You will not be disappointed. For more information about the film, visit: www.islamicart.tv