The Taqwacores (2010)

Yusef, a first-generation Pakistani engineering student, moves off-campus with a group of Muslim punks in Buffalo, New York. His new "un-orthodox" house mates soon introduce him to ... See full summary »

Director:

Eyad Zahra

Writers:

Michael Muhammad Knight (screenplay), Michael Muhammad Knight (story),

Stars:

Bobby Naderi, Noureen DeWulf, Dominic Rains

1 win.

Cast

Credited cast:
Bobby Naderi	...	Yusef
Noureen DeWulf	...	Rabeya
Dominic Rains	...	Jehangir Tabari
Rest of cast listed alphabetically:
Jim Dickson	...	Gas Station Bully
Volkan Eryaman	...	Amazing Ayyub
Denise George	...	Dee Dee Ali
Marwan Kamel	...	Himself (Cameo)
Anne Leighton	...	Lynn
Nav Mann	...	Umar
Rasika Mathur	...	Fatima
John Charles Meyer	...	Hamza
Nicholas Riley	...	Harun
Ara Thorose	...	Lead Singer of The Gilmans
Phong Tran	...	Fasiq (as Ian Tran)
Tony Yalda	...	Muzzamil

Storyline

Yusef, a first-generation Pakistani engineering student, moves off-campus with a group of Muslim punks in Buffalo, New York. His new "un-orthodox" house mates soon introduce him to Taqwacore- a hardcore, Muslim punk rock scene that only exists out west. As the seasons change, Taqwacore influences the house more and more. The living room becomes a mosque during the day, while it continues to host punk parties at night. Ultimately, Yusef is influenced by Taqwacore too, as he begins to challenge his own faith and ideologies. The Taqwacores deals with the complexities of being young and Muslim in modern-day America.

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Plot Keywords:

islam

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Taglines:

Punk. Muslim. American.

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Genres:

Drama

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Details

Official Sites:

Official site

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

22 October 2010 (USA)

Box Office

Opening Weekend:

$3,532 (USA) (22 October 2010)

Gross:

$11,175 (USA) (4 March 2011)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Rumanni Filmworks

Technical Specs

Runtime:

83 min

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.78 : 1

User Reviews

Punk'em

Interesting concept. Must acknowledge that films like these are the reason why Sundance will always be special.

The camera work was refreshing and must commend the efforts of the cast. Every small detail was well handled, the punk burkha for example, I've never imagined those black-bland clothes would ever get a creative touch, something I would envy if I were a fashion designer.

Yusef, this was a character that found its alter-ego in Jehangir and struggles to acknowledge that Jehangir is who he always wanted to be. Yusef will always be that person who reminded you that wanting to have fun and being pious need not always be two different things.

I really enjoyed watching those tiny clips with a couch, a person and a TV.

We are a nation of people who believe in liberty but will it ever be possible for Jehangir to wear the crescent and star although he is in no way connected with his religion. I seriously doubt it, but yes, we give Jehagir this ability in our films.

Applaud the efforts.